Following the initial publication of a number of playing rules proposals for experimentation on October 2, the Standing Committee on the Playing Rules undertook to conduct a detailed period of consultation with Senior intercounty football players, managers and referees throughout the remainder of October. This consultation, which elicited genuine engagement by many, closed on October 29 and its findings considered by the SCPR at its final meeting of the year, which took place shortly thereafter.

In addition to this, a total of nine trial games featuring teams at every level, as well as on-going one-to-one engagement with referees and the referee’s development committee, supplemented an earlier consultation process that was undertaken by the SCPR with every County Board at home and overseas during the Summer months (of 2018). The primary purpose of the experimental games, in particular, was to consider any unintended consequences from the possible implementation of the aforementioned proposals and, in addition, to identify any specific challenges presented by the introduction of some or all of the proposed experimental rules, should they be supported by members of An Coiste Bainistíochta and Central Council at their respective meetings on 23rd and 24th November.

Following the above process, the SCPR has outlined below its final, considered position on a number of playing rules for experimentation during the forthcoming season (specifically the pre-season Provincial tournaments and Allianz League) for information and decision.

Approved Playing Rule for Experimentation 1: Hand Pass

The Hand Pass: To introduce a restriction of three consecutive passes of the ball with the fist or open hand by players of the team in possession.

The playing of the ball by open hand(s) or fist for the purpose of scoring a point shall not be deemed a hand pass.

Once an opponent touches the ball in play, this will be considered a break in the hand pass chain.

Addendum - FAQ:

1. If a player in possession drops the ball in a challenge (or a stumble/etc) and regains it himself or his team mate regains it does that break or continue the sequence?

A. This does not break the chain or sequence. The chain/ sequence is only broken once an opponent touches the ball in play; this will be considered a break in the hand pass chain.

1. If a player hand passes to another player and it hits the ground before the other player gathers it, presumably this does not break the sequence? (i.e. it is not broken until another player touches it or the ball is kicked)

A. That is correct. See answer to Q.1 above.

1. At what point is the foul deemed to have occurred? (I.e. where does the match referee award a free from -is it the point of the 4th pass?)

A. Yes, the free is awarded from the point where the pass was made.

1. Presumably a player flicking the ball in flight does not break the sequence; however is it deemed to be part of the sequence? Is it considered a hand pass?

A. No, a player flicking the ball (e.g. overhead) is not deemed to be a hand pass and therefore is not considered as such for the purpose of establishing a sequence of hand passes.

1. Based on the proposal passed by Central Council, a fourth hand pass directly resulting in a point is acceptable; however if the scoring attempt hits the post or crossbar and rebounds back into play or the attempt at a score is subsequently played by a team mate (e.g. a strong wind keeps the ball in play) presumably it then become a foul?

A. Yes, this is acceptable as the playing rule for experimentation allows for the playing of the ball by the open hand(s) or fist for the purpose of scoring a point i.e. this attempted scoring action shall not be deemed a hand pass. However, if this attempt to score a fisted point results in the ball being played by a team mate or rebounding off the crossbar or upright this will be regarded as an attempt to play a fourth hand pass and a free to the opposition will be awarded from this point.

1. If the fourth hand pass attempt for a score goes wide - is this a free or a kickout? -

A. This will be regarded as an unsuccessful attempt to score and therefore is followed by a kick-out

Penalty:

Free kick from where the foul occurred except as provided under the Exceptions in Rule 2.2.

Approved Playing Rule for Experimentation 2: Side-line Kick

Side-line Kick: The ball shall be played forward from the kick except where the kick is inside the 20m line of the opposing team.

Penalty:

Cancel side-line kick. Throw-in the ball in accordance with Rule 2.2 Exception (v)

Approved Playing Rule for Experimentation 3: - The Advanced Mark

The Advanced Mark: To extend the application of the Mark to the clean catching of the ball from a kick in play (i.e. not from set-play) delivered by the kicker on or beyond the opposing team’s 45m line, that travels a minimum of 20 metres and without it touching the ground.

-       The application of the Mark shall be standardised as follows:

Fifteen seconds shall be allowed for a Free to be taken from a Mark.

If the Referee determines that the player who makes the Mark has been injured in the process and unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the player’s nearest team mate to take the kick, but this may only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

-       A player shall signify he is taking a Mark as per current Rule 2.12 where the ‘player shall signify to the Referee he is taking the ‘Advanced Mark’

-       A player that ‘plays on’ may be challenged/tackled.

-       A score may be made from a free awarded for a Mark in all cases.

-       In the case of a Mark being awarded to an attacking player on or inside the 13m line, the free, if availed of, shall be taken from the point on the 13m line directly in line with where the Mark is awarded.

-       In the case of a Mark being awarded to a defending player on or inside the 13m line, the free kick, if availed of, shall be taken from the point where the Mark is awarded.

-       The normal Rules governing free-kicks shall apply (e.g. players being 13m from the ball before it is kicked).

Exception:

A free-kick from a Mark shall be taken from the hand(s) only.

Approved Playing Rule for Experimentation 4: Sin-Bin

Sin-Bin: To have a Penalty on the day for a Black Card Infraction by ordering off the offending player for ten minutes in a Sin Bin.

The 10 minutes shall commence with the ordering off to the sin-bin and shall end on the expiry of the 10 minutes, irrespective of delays.

The 10 minutes shall be monitored by the 4th Official, where operating, and otherwise by the Referee.

The player may only re-join the game at a break in play and on the instruction of the 4th Official or Referee.

A subsequent Black Card Infraction shall be penalised by the showing of a Black Card followed by a Red Card.

In this case there shall be no substitution allowed.

-       The maximum number of substitutions in normal time to return to five.

-       The duties of a Referee and Sideline Official to be amended in accordance with the main Proposal.

Addendum - FAQ:

1.    If a Black Card is issued and the same player later comes back on and is shown a yellow for some other indiscretion, should this then be followed by a Red card?  

A.    Yes, this the same as per current rule.

B.    Finally, as per existing Rules, a yellow card followed by a black continues to result in a Red Card? –

A.    Yes, this the same as per current rule.

Approved Playing Rule for Experimentation 5: Kick-Out from 20m Line

Kick-Out from 20m Line: The kick-out shall be taken off the ground from a point on the part of the 20 m line that forms the semi-circular arc.

All players, other than the Goalkeeper (and another player if the goalkeeper is not taking the kick-out) shall be outside the 20m line, outside the arc and 13m from the ball until it has been kicked.

Penalties:

For another player on the team taking a kick-out not being outside the 20m line, outside the arc and 13m from the ball until it has been kicked.

Penalty:

(i) Cancel kick-out

(ii) Throw-in the ball on defenders’ 20m line in front of the scoring space