If knowledge truly is power, then only those involved or those who stumbled upon one of the many covert challenge games over recent weeks, have any real inkling as to what’s in store this weekend.
For inter-county coaches, the only currency of value floating through the GAA’s black market economy in January was to maximise their accumulation of challenge matches. Mine some game data from the new rules, come up with a plan, appear knowledgeable. Priceless.
For the rest of us, this is the weekend the GAA swings open its doors to the most consequential league in living memory. This is a seminal moment for Gaelic football, the next few weeks will define how present and future generations play the game.
After the storm, here come the winds of change.
Where did all this come from?
In February 2024, on becoming GAA president, Jarlath Burns set up the Football Review Committee to evaluate the rules and regulations of Gaelic football and to identify potential enhancements to create a more exciting game for players and spectators. The FRC is chaired by Jim Gavin and these changes have come from the committee’s recommendations.
Okay, what do I need to know to bluff my way through this weekend?
Strap in, this might take a while.
Alternatively, if uncertain about some new rule you can get out of any sticky situation by forcefully declaring: “Sure wasn’t the game grand the way it was, why do they need to keep messing with it?”
Delivered with absolute conviction and assuredness, this show of defiance is guaranteed to end further questioning and instead bring about nods of agreement in return.
And sure the game was grand, wasn’t it?
Eh, well, not really. Gaelic football had become plagued with lateral football, defensive tactics and ponderous build-up play. The sight of unchallenged players walking around with the ball before casually passing back to an unmarked team-mate had turned many off the game.
How many changes, sorry enhancements, are being introduced?
There are seven core enhancements and several other recommendations in relation to tactical fouling, dissent, aggressive fouling and timekeeping.
Whate are the seven core enhancements?
The 1v1 throw-in: As you take your seat at a match over the weekend, this will be the first visible in-game example of the new rules. At the start of each half, there will only be one player from each team contesting the throw-in, with the other two midfielders standing on opposite sidelines, ready to enter the pitch when the ball is thrown in by the referee.
The kick-out: Kick-outs will now be allowed before all players are outside the 20-metre line. However, the ball must travel beyond the 20-metre line and outside the new 40-metre arc before it is caught by a player from the team taking the kick-out. However, an opposition player may intercept the ball inside the 40-metre arc. The concept behind the change is to promote quick kick-outs and also bring about more aerial contests on restarts.
Goalkeeper: A goalkeeper can only receive the ball from a team-mate either in their own large rectangle (20-metre line) or once they cross the halfway line of the pitch. This change is effectively an effort to end the pattern of players passing the ball back to their goalkeeper. It is hoped this will also reduce the amount of lateral football deployed by teams.
3/3 structure: At least three outfield players from both teams must remain inside each half of the pitch at all times. It will limit the number of outfield players defending in their half of the pitch to 11, creating more space for attacking plays. The impact of a roaming goalie here could be significant.
Advanced mark: A mark will be awarded to a player when they catch the ball cleanly on or inside the 20-metre line from a kick in play delivered from on or outside the 45-metre line. The player making the catch will also have the option to play on immediately, and if no advantage accrues the ball will be brought back for a kick from the original mark position.
Solo & Go: A fouled player can immediately take a toe tap (solo) and carry the ball forward. A solo & go must proceed in a forward or lateral direction – the player cannot go backwards. Also, the player taking a solo & go cannot be tackled for four metres/steps.
Scoring: Two points will be awarded for a score over the crossbar from outside the 40-metre arc. The value of a converted 45 remains one point.
Hold on, I thought a goal was going to be worth four points?
That was the initial plan, but after the interprovincial trial games last November a decision was taken not to proceed with that change. The new scoring system is this: Three points for a goal; two points for a score kicked over the crossbar from outside the 40-metre arc and one point for a score kicked over the crossbar from inside the 40-metre arc.
What about sidelines?
A converted sideline kicked over from inside the 20-metre line will be worth one point, but a sideline kicked over from outside the 20-metre line will be worth two points.
What is this 40-metre arc you keep mentioning?
With all these changes, there are some new line markings required on the pitch, including a 40-metre arc (spanning across from the 20-metre line) and a dashed line the full width of the pitch to indicate the halfway line.
Okay, is that it so?
No, stall the ball, there is still more enhancing for us to do. In particular, efforts to disincentivise tactical fouling and dissent.
Dissent? But what’s the harm if a disgruntled player tells the ref he might as well put on the other crowd’s jersey?
Quite a lot of harm. Any show of dissent or challenge by a player to a referee’s decision will result in the ball being moved forward 50 metres up to the opposition’s 13-metre line. A misconduct offence by a team official will see the opposing team awarded a 13-metre free.
But what if the referee makes a decision that a player wants clarification on?
Only the team captain (or a nominated deputy if the captain is the goalkeeper or the captain is no longer on the field) can speak to the referee to seek clarification on a decision.
What’s this I head about having to hand the ball to an opponent?
A player who concedes a free must hand the ball over to their opponent in a prompt and respectful manner. This is to end the practice of players throwing the ball away and trying to slow down the game. If a player does not hand over the ball, the free will be moved forward 50 metres.
50 metres?
Yes, 50 metres or up to the opposition’s 13-metre line.
Anecdotally, this enhancement has caused quite a few problems in recent challenge matches. Kerry midfielder Diarmuid O’Connor earlier this week admitted it feels “unnatural” to be handing the ball over because “when you are growing up the first thing you are taught nearly is not to hand the ball to the opposition player, that you should roll it along the ground and do what you can to stop them taking a quick free.”
But it was best summed up by former Dublin defender Philly McMahon who, in his Irish Independent column, quipped: “Personally, I’d rather eat a football than hand it to an opponent.”
Is 50 metres not a bit severe?
That’s the idea. Those involved in the FRC want there to be no ambiguity – the penalty is so costly to teams that players will quickly realise they need to conform.
Several other delay infractions have similar repercussions, including when a player does not retreat 13-metres to allow a free to be taken, or when they deliberately block or attempt to block the kicker.
What about the clock-hooter?
The clock-hooter system will be in operation at all four Division One games this weekend. The clock will count up rather than down for now though as not all of the scoreboards currently have the necessary technology installed. The clock-hooter will be introduced to other divisions as the league progresses.
And the vanishing foam?
Vanishing foam will be used by referees in all four divisions this weekend to mark the line from where players must take frees. This is the cruellest of all enhancements, the cold-hearted GAA taking away every free-taker’s birthright to sneak a few metres.
Anything else?
Sideline officials are now to be officially referred to as line umpires and will be empowered to bring any incidents to the attention of the referee. Several offences have been added to the black card list – including holding up a player and contributing to a melee. The five-second time limit for awarding an advantage has been removed.
If the enhancements don’t enhance the game, are we stuck with them?
No, amendments and adjustments can be made during the season. And if something clearly isn’t working, rule changes can be rescinded. This swathe of enhancements have been introduced for one season, after which Congress will decide should the changes be made permanent.
Might some of these enhancements benefit hurling too?
How dare you. Take that back or we’ll report you to Unesco.
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