THE introduction of the experimental rules during the pre-season provincial hurling and football competitions has naturally provoked a lot of comment over the past fortnight - much of it from concerned managers.

The GPA has also received feedback from players this week over the new rules and while those views were mixed, they have to be put in the context of the experiment being given a reasonable trial period before being judged acutely.

Some of the concerns raised by managers - the potential for legitimate physicality to be punished, the slowing down of the game due to referees noting ‘black book' offences and a fear of picking up unwarranted yellow cards - were shared by the majority of players questioned.

However, others were quick to praise referees, in particular, for clamping down on off-the-ball obstruction.

From the GPA's perspective, it is still very much a case of the jury remaining out until players have experienced the application of the new system over a sustained period. We will then assess the views of our members again.

While players have been briefed as to the aim of the rule changes, some remained confused as to why the game specifically needs to be "cleaned up". Others, particularly hurlers, didn't believe the games needed to be tampered with at all. The latter group was of the belief that - ‘if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

There were also particular concerns expressed about consistency in the application of the new rules; it appears, from a player's perspective, that there may still be too much room for discretion on the part of the referee in the area of tackling - and this could lead to inconsistent decision-making.

Following a meeting with managers from each province, the experimental rules committee has agreed to address the issue of ‘black book' noting, and will advise referees to take a number instead so as not to slow the game down unduly.

However, players remain worried about the prospect of increased suspensions due to the continuation of the automatic ban for two yellow card dismissals. And the issue of match bans v fortnight suspensions remains a hot topic and an anomaly all players feel should be addressed at the soonest opportunity.

It's early days in the trial period and we have to take into account that the competitive edge will sharpen when the National Leagues resume at the end of the month and early in February. In theory at least, this should test the experiment to the full and a clearer picture as to the future of the rule changes will emerge.