Following draft proposals recommended by the GAA’s Standing Committee on Playing Rules, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have consulted widely with all football squads and former inter county players in recent weeks.

Results of GPA Player survey on Proposed Rule Changes in Gaelic Football 

Players against introduction of handpass restriction, sideline kick and kickout zoning proposals

Players in favour of the mark and sin bin proposed changes

Players believe that consideration should be given to introduction of additional referee to help apply any new rules of play

Following draft proposals recommended by the GAA’s Standing Committee on Playing Rules, the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have consulted widely with all football squads and former inter county players in recent weeks.

 

Main findings of GPA Member Survey:

Handpass Restriction: Players strongly against the proposed change

Sideline kick: Players against this proposed change

Kickout zoning: Players strongly against this proposed change

The Mark: Players marginally in favour of this proposed change

Sin Bin: Players marginally in favour of this proposed change

 

This feedback has been submitted to the Standing Rules Committee on Playing Rules as part of a wider consultation with referees, coaches and officials.

While the GPA supports measures to develop our games it is important that any rule changes are introduced with the aim of enhancing the playing experience for players and to provide a greater spectacle for supporters.

The GPA understands the difficulty of implementing change and acknowledges the significant efforts made by the Standing Rules Committee in this regard. We urge an Coiste Bainistíochta and Central Council to take on board the views of players before deciding on any further course of action at their respective meetings later this month.

 

Speaking today on the survey findings the CEO of the GPA Paul Flynn said;  “The findings of this GPA membership survey are interesting and provide a lot of detailed information for the GAA to examine and to take into account before any decisions are made on the proposed rule changes. Players are of the view that the handpass restriction, sideline kick and kickout zoning proposed changes won’t work. They are, however, in favour of the mark and sin bin rule proposed changes. The GPA has presented the survey findings to the GAA with detailed squad feedback and we have made it clear how important it is that the feedback is taken on board before any decisions are made.

For many squads promotion from the National Football League is their main objective for the season. Implementing all of these significant rule changes at this stage, they fear, would disrupt their detailed game plans which have already been developed over the past couple of seasons and it could cost them a promotion.  Players are also of the view that consideration should be given to the introduction of an additional referee to help apply any new rules. The GAA must be fair and reasonable in how it decides to move on the proposed rule changes. Players, fans and officials deserve nothing less.”