Kildare team doctor to ignore new sideline rule

[Donnellys Hollow]

Mulvihill: Doctors duty-bound not to toe the line on new rules
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Kildare senior football team doctor Danny Mulvihill will openly contravene the new sideline regulations this weekend.


By John Fogarty
GAA Correspondent
Mulvihill, chairman of the Gaelic Games Doctors Association (GGDA), said it would a dereliction of his duty as a GP to the team were he to sit in the stands.

According to the new rule, which comes into formal operation this weekend, only one medic is permitted on pitchside, with the obvious choice for most county teams being the physio.

However, when Kildare face Donegal in Saturday's Division One curtain-raiser at Croke Park Mulvihill insists he will be on the sideline.

"I'll be on the pitch and I have been on the pitch so far for all our games this year. It's my intention to be on the pitch along with the physio as a team."

As GGDA chairman, Mulvihill has received several emails and phone calls from GAA doctors voicing concern about the new directive after only learning of it in the press.

He also said physiotherapists are of the same mind and said some doctors would contemplating quitting GAA teams were the rule to be introduced permanently.

He has been given assurances by Croke Park that medics won't be prevented from carrying out their previous practices but hopes a compromise can be found.

"There is no way we would have agreed with it because we wouldn't be able to do our duty. We have a professional and ethical responsibility to look after players. This is interfering with our medical practice as it was established without any discussion or consultation.

"The physio is usually a younger person and does most of the running but the doctors are there straight away if there is anything that looks more serious.

"Most grounds have (team) seats behind the dugout but it's still not practical and there are walls. Some of them are six or seven rows up and our doctors would be taking a risk scampering down the steps to look at injuries. It's just not on.

"The physio and the doctor work as a team and track players who may be coming back from an injury or concussion. There's no way we can do that if we are separated."

Following Eamonn Fitzmaurice and Anthony Cunningham, Cork's Conor Counihan yesterday criticised the measure of cutting a team's sideline personnel to five, which was reinforced by GAA president Liam O'Neill last Saturday.

"Was there issues I wasn't aware of? Sideline bust-ups and that sort of thing? I hadn't see anything like that," said Counihan. "It certainly didn't happen at inter-county level. I would like someone to explain the rationale behind those. Maybe there is something I'm missing."

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/mulvihill-doctors-duty-bound-not-to-toe-the-line-on-new-rules-221056.html

This has to be one of the most ridiculous rules ever introduced by the GAA. Only one medic per team allowed on the sideline? Surely teams should have both their physio and doctor on the sidelines with the games becoming so attritional nowadays and the increased risk of serious injuries.

[Denn Forever]

Shure all you need is a sponge and water? 

[Hardy]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

[drici]

Referees urged to ignore minor injuries


Referees have been instructed not to stop play for minor injuries, starting from the National Football and Hurling Leagues.

National referees committee chairman Pat McEnaney confirmed he has told Inter County match officials to operate the rule regarding general injuries in its strictest form.

According to rule 1.5 (a) of the GAA Official Guide: "Play shall not be stopped for injury to a player, except in exceptional circumstances to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or removed from the field of play. All other injuries shall be treated off the field of play."

McEnaney insists referees will not hold up the play for slight injuries such as cramp, hamstring strains, twinges and sprains.

"What we've asked our team to do is to apply the rule that is in the rulebook. Allow the medical people to come on when they ask for the play to be stopped such as a player sustaining a broken leg.

"The rule wasn't being implemented across the board. It's about tweaking and adjusting behaviour to the rule and making sure referees apply it. We looked at games last year where referees were stopping games for insignificant injuries like twinges and pulled hamstrings. That's not applying the rule."

McEnaney refused to confirm whether the reinforcement of the rule had anything to do with players simulating injuries to waste time.

However, he hopes the application of the rule as it was intended will speed up games.

"We all want to see more of the ball in play. The only time we're saying play can be stopped is when there's a serious injury and the medical people have call to come onto the field.

"There's general consensus that play was being held up for miniscule injuries. It's something we now believe we have addressed."

As per usual, blood subs will be required to leave the field and be replaced at least on a temporary basis.

The blood sub rule, though, remains open to exploitation with Mayo able to make eight substitutes in their All Ireland Semi Final win over Dublin last year. Arising from the game, it had been suggested Dublin would put forward a motion to this year's Congress although it appears that is not now the case.

Meanwhile, McEnaney said refs have been reminded about being extra vigilant regarding body-checking of players as well as the protection of successful high fielders.

"What we looked for last year was body-checking to be eradicated. We have reaffirmed that to our team of referees this year.

"That was big one last year, protecting the high fielder who comes down with the ball and ensuring he isn't mauled when he hits the ground."

[thewobbler]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

[Hardy]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

Fair enough. I'd just love to see the president train his obvious enthusiasm for change (whatever about reform) on something major.

[Hardy]

Meanwhile, McEnaney said refs have been reminded about being extra vigilant regarding body-checking of players ...
"What we looked for last year was body-checking to be eradicated. We have reaffirmed that to our team of referees this year.

Oh God.

[Itchy]

I think a new rule book should be introduced for Kildare, full of blank pages they can fill in themselves.

[theticklemister]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

In club championship in Derry it is secretary, chairman, physio and manager.  Seems to work well.

[screenexile]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

In club championship in Derry it is secretary, chairman, physio and manager.  Seems to work well.

It's not. We had 7 men on the line a couple of years ago. Ludicrous!! Secretary and Chairman have no business whatsoever being on the sideline. Manager, Assistant, Physio, Doctor . . . sin é

[ck]

I'm in the minority but I feel this is a positive move. I heard the Kildare doc on radio today and he put forward a poor defence on his stance.
Far too many on the lines at all levels. Near time it was addressed. It wouldn't be like Kildare to be flaunting rules!

[rodney trotter]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

In club championship in Derry it is secretary, chairman, physio and manager.  Seems to work well.

It's not. We had 7 men on the line a couple of years ago. Ludicrous!! Secretary and Chairman have no business whatsoever being on the sideline. Manager, Assistant, Physio, Doctor . . . sin é

Agree the secretary and Chairman shouldn't be there. Too many people having opinions. and then trying to influence the manager and selector into making decisions.

[theticklemister]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

In club championship in Derry it is secretary, chairman, physio and manager.  Seems to work well.

It's not. We had 7 men on the line a couple of years ago. Ludicrous!! Secretary and Chairman have no business whatsoever being on the sideline. Manager, Assistant, Physio, Doctor . . . sin é

Well im sure ye flaunted the rules. Mind ye i seen yer championship game against Bellaghy last year and the sideline was packed with bodies.

Secretary is probably there to sign team sheets and in case of an inquiry needs to be made into something about the game he acts on behalf of the club. ie to ring the games administrator.

[Aaron Boone]

Well Kildare & Dr No will be due a fine if he's there.

[tommysmith]

This seems to be a presidency of ludicrous hobby-horses. It's not as if everywhere you go in GAAdom the number of the support crew on the line is the first thing on everybody's lips. O'Neill would spend his time better by concentrating on the real problems in the game.

Yes and no. There is a culture in the club game especially for the sideline to be packed with subs, injured players, recently retired players, up and coming players, administrators, and mascots. Not to mention managers, selectors, coaches, and medical staff. In Down league football it can be a joke. In Down Championship football we are allowed 11 (yes, 11) non-players on the sideline (figures correct as of 2010, this might have since changed). Frankly it's daft. On a practical level, being a linesman is actually impossible when two entourage-laden teams meet. It almost inevitably falls into "you're not telling them to move off the pitch" whataboutery.

If they can get this madness out of the county game, then it'll be easier to make/enforce the same demand at club level.  And I believe that's what they're trying to do.

In club championship in Derry it is secretary, chairman, physio and manager.  Seems to work well.

It's not. We had 7 men on the line a couple of years ago. Ludicrous!! Secretary and Chairman have no business whatsoever being on the sideline. Manager, Assistant, Physio, Doctor . . . sin é

Agree the secretary and Chairman shouldn't be there. Too many people having opinions. and then trying to influence the manager and selector into making decisions.

A decent manager should not be listening to a secretary or chairman or anyone else other than a selector.

Secretary normally has to be near the manager to make as they normally keep account of subs. 

So for a club Team it is going to have to be Manager, Selector, Physio and Secretary.