THE Football Review Committee (FRC) has been the driving force behind the new and improved version of Gaelic football. Led by the astute Jim Gavin, the FRC’s mission has been to scrutinise existing rules, identify areas ripe for enhancement, and implement changes that inject new life into the sport.
Their efforts so far have been characterised by a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, ensuring that the essence of Gaelic football is preserved while making the game more thrilling and equitable for players and fans alike.
Last week they made their last of the changes to the rules and the GAA Central Council has now greenlit these rule adjustments just in time for the final two rounds of the Allianz League and the start of the championship.
4v3
The primary focus of the changes is on the revised 3v3 rule, which previously allowed teams to create an attacking overload by bringing their goalkeeper forward. Now, teams must maintain at least four players in their half, including the goalkeeper, to balance the numbers. This adjustment aims to prevent teams from exploiting the rule to create a 12v11 scenario, which often led to prolonged periods of keeping the ball around the middle by the attacking team.
After last weekend’s games, we can already see the important changes taking shape, albeit early into the sample pool. These slow attacks have now been eliminated as teams can push up on the player with the ball, matching numbers 11v11. The only way an attacking team can get an overload now is by moving the ball quickly to the 4v3 on transition.
This has already brought about some of the most pleasing examples of Gaelic football in years. The attacking play that led to Kerry’s penalty against Armagh is a fine example of the rule enhancements and kick-passing the ball on the counter. This only happens due to the shape we see with the 4v3, and the ball was won back with a good press on the 11v11. Surely, this will only get better as teams are coached more and summer football returns.
Additionally, teams reduced in numbers due to red or black cards must keep three players in the opposition’s half at all times. This aims to ensure fair play and prevent teams from exploiting numerical advantages. Previously, teams could keep 11 players back and reduce the numbers in attack, meaning they did not suffer a disadvantage corresponding to their punishment. From now on, teams reduced in numbers must still keep three in the opposition’s half of the field at all times. There was some confusion during the league when teams lost a player to a red or black card, but that anomaly has now been eradicated. Similarly, the team who have seen a player dismissed must keep four players in their half when they have the ball.
A breach of the 3v4 rule—in carrying, receiving or intercepting the ball or attempting to do so is a free-kick from where the player crossed the halfway line. There is an easing of accidental, unintentional or marginal breaches of the proposed ‘four back, three up’ rule. Players who go four metres across the halfway line or are not interfering in the play will not be punished.
Hooter
Elsewhere changes to the hooter/end of the game have also been approved, with it to be adopted in all championship games. Now, after the hooter sounds, the end of the first half or full-time is signalled by the referee on the next occasion that the ball goes out of play for a score, for a wide or a sideline kick. If a 45, free kick or penalty has been awarded, but not taken, before the hooter sounds, the free-kick can be taken and, if it results in a score, without any other player touching the ball, that score shall be awarded.
Kick-out mark
A player who claims a kick-out mark can play on immediately and not be challenged for four metres. If the player is challenged in that space, a free-kick shall be awarded 50 metres more advantageous to that player up to the opposition’s 13m line. The player can also bring it back to outside the 40m arc for a two-point score. An advantage has accrued if a point or a goal is scored. If no advantage has accrued to the team of the player awarded the mark, the referee will signal ‘no advantage gained’ and the ball will be taken back to the points of the mark.
Official dissent
A dissent infraction by a team official will now cost their team a 20m free rather than a 13m free but the free can be brought out to the 40m arc for a two-point attempt if so desired.
These tweaks promise to bring a fresh dynamic to Gaelic football, ensuring a more balanced and exciting experience for players and fans alike. The changes aim to enhance the pace and excitement of the game while promoting fair play and reducing fouling. Players, coaches, and fans are keen to see how these rules will impact the upcoming season, promising a fresh and exciting experience for everyone involved.
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