top of page
Colly Clerkin

Croke Park ringing the changes?

Updated: Oct 20


CROKE Park echoed with the anticipation of change as Jim Gavin, the Chair of the Football Review Committee (FRC), unveiled their latest proposals for enhancing the game of Gaelic football. The FRC, after a comprehensive consultative process involving players, coaches, referees, and fans, has put forward a set of rule changes that could dramatically alter the landscape of the sport. Their remit is to make GAA football the most exciting amateur sport in the world to play or watch. Below are some of the most interesting rule changes I’m looking forward to seeing.


Scoring System Revamp

One of the most significant proposals is the introduction of a new scoring system. A 40-metre scoring arc would be established around each set of goalposts, with scores from outside this arc valued at two points. This would incentivise teams to take more long-range shots and create more goal-scoring opportunities inside the arc. However, it remains to be seen how this will work at grassroots level.


Kick-out changes

Kick-outs would also undergo a transformation. Goalkeepers would be required to kick the ball beyond the 40-metre arc, fostering more contests for possession. Additionally, players would be allowed to position themselves behind the 20-metre line during kick-outs, potentially speeding up the game. According to sources, this is the one rule that has dramatically improved the game in sandbox games.


Solo and Go

To encourage more attacking play, the FRC has proposed the ‘Solo and Go’ rule. This would allow a player who is fouled to continue play by taking a solo run and attempting to score. The committee is still deliberating on the exact parameters of this rule, such as the number of steps a player can take before being tackled. This will promote more opportunities for going for goals as play will be pulled back for the free if no advantage is gained.


Advanced mark expansion

The advanced mark would be expanded to allow players to continue playing after fielding a ball inside the 20-metre line from outside the 45-metre line. This change, combined with the four-point goal, aims to incentivise long-range kicking and reward skillful play. It’s a rule that should have been implemented years ago.


3 vs 3

To address concerns about defensive tactics, the FRC has suggested a ‘3/3 Up/Back’ rule. This would require teams to have at least three players inside each 65-yard line, promoting more attacking play and end-to-end action. There are concerns about this rule, particularly if attacking players are tracking defending players out of the 45. It could potentially lead to chaotic situations.


Overtime Showdown

Beyond these core enhancements, the FRC is also considering changes to foul play, dissent, and game officiating. One particularly intriguing proposal is the ‘Overtime Showdown,’ which would determine the winner of a drawn match through a series of sudden-death scoring opportunities. If one team scores, the other has one more chance from the kick-out to score. If they don’t, they lose. If they do, the process repeats.


New dawn for Gaelic football

The FRC’s proposals have been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some fans and pundits believe that these changes could revitalise the game and make it more entertaining for spectators. Others worry that they might disrupt the traditional nature of Gaelic football.


The GAA intends to trial these rules further in an interprovincial competition between the four provinces. Players will be made up from those who are not still in club championship action. Games are due to be played on October 18 and 19 and will be streamed on GAA Go, so I’m very excited to see these rules in action.


As the GAA prepares to debate these proposals in the coming months, it is clear that the sport is on the cusp of a new era. The decisions made by the governing body will have a profound impact on the future of Gaelic football for generations to come.

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page