Congress 2016

[Line Ball]

MOTIONS
COMHDHÁIL 2016

ARD CHOMHAIRLE MOTIONS
3.40 (a) (iv) (6)
(1)
That Rule 6.27(B) and (C) – All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship -Official Guide Part 1 – (pages 93-101), as adopted for years 2014-2016, be retained, subject to:
(i) Changes in composition of participating Counties based on the Promotion and Relegation regulations provided for in the current Rule.
(ii) The Review provided for in current Rule of the list of Counties to be included in the Provincial Qualifying Group of the Liam McCarthy Cup.
Ard Chomhairle
(2)

(A) That Rule 6.27(A) – Organisation of All-Ireland Senior Football Championship – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 93-96)  be amended to read:

"(A) All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
(i)   Provincial Championships
All Counties are eligible to participate in the Provincial Championships.   
These Championships shall be played on a Knock-Out Format.
A 'Round Robin' Format may not be used.
The Winners of the Provincial Championships shall qualify for the All-Ireland Championship Quarter-Finals.
(ii)   All-Ireland Qualifier Series
The All-Ireland Qualifier Series shall be played on a Knock-Out basis

Round 1
This Round shall consist of sixteen teams, excluding the eight Provincial Finalists and the eight teams that will comprise Division 4 of the following year's National Football League.
An Open Draw shall be made to determine the eight pairings.

Round 2
The eight winners of Round 1 shall play in this Round.
An Open Draw shall determine the pairings.

Round 3
Each of the four defeated Provincial Finalists shall play against one of the four winners from Round 2.
Subject to the avoidance of Repeat Pairings where feasible, a Draw shall be made to determine the four pairings.

(iii)   All-Ireland Quarter-Finals
Each of the four Provincial Champions shall play against one of the winners from Round 3,
Subject to the respective Provincial Champions not meeting the defeated finalists from their own Province and to the avoidance of Repeat Pairings were feasible,
a Draw shall be made to determine the four pairings.

(iv)   All-Ireland Semi-Finals
A Provincial Rota System, initially determined by Central Council, shall apply.
If a Provincial Championship winning team is defeated in its Quarter-Final, the team that defeats it shall take its place in the Semi-Final.

(v)   All Ireland Final

Other matters related to the All-Ireland Series

(1)   Scheduling
As in current Rule.
(2)   Venues
Home Venues shall be used in Rounds 1 and 2 of the All-Ireland Qualifier Series, with the first team drawn having Home Advantage.

Exception
Where a team from Divisions 2, 3 or 4 is drawn against a team from a higher Division of the following year's National Football League, the team from the lower Division shall have Home Advantage.   

The above arrangements shall be conditional on Home Grounds being deemed to meet the criteria set down by the National Facilities/Health and Safety Committee and the Central Competitions Control Committee.
Venues in Round 3 shall be determined by the Central Competitions Control Committee.

All Ireland Quarter-Finals Scheduling
As in current Rule.
                                                                           
(B) All-Ireland Senior 'B' Football Championship
The eight teams that will comprise Division 4 of the following year's National Football League shall participate in the All-Ireland Senior 'B' Football Championship.

Exception
Where one team or more of Division 4 of the following year's National Football League qualifies for its current Provincial Final, the lowest placed team, outside of teams to be relegated, (e.g. a team that has finished sixth or fifth) in Division 3 of the National Football League and which has not qualified for its Provincial Final shall play in the All-Ireland Senior  'B' Championship.

The Championship shall be played on a Knock-Out basis.
An Open Draw shall determine the pairings in each Round up to and including the Semi-Finals.

Promotion and Relegation
The Winners of the All-Ireland 'B' Championship shall be eligible to participate in the following year's All-Ireland Qualifier Series.

If the team that wins the All-Ireland 'B' Football Championship does not win promotion from Division 4 in the following year's National Football League, it will be replaced in the All-Ireland 'B' Championship by the team that finished lowest in Division 3 (other than the two relegated teams) of that year's National Football League and has not qualified for its Provincial Final.
                                   
Rules affected – Rule 6.28(a);  Re-letter current Sections (B) to (I) accordingly.

                                                                                                                     Ard Chomhairle


(3)

That Rule 3.2 Exception (i) Rules of Specification – Time – Official Guide Part 2 (Page 12) be amended to read:

"(i) In Inter-County Senior Championship, National League, Subsidiary Competition and Tournament  Games, the playing time shall consist of 35 minutes each."

Ard Chomhairle

               



MOTIONS CONSEQUENT UPON CENTRAL COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
(3.40 (a) (iv) (3)


2004: Competitions Review Task Force Report
2007: Facilitating a better programme of games for club players
2007: Task Force on Player Burnout Report
2008: Second Player Burnout Report
2013: Football review Committee Report
2014: Hurling 2020 report
2014: Minor Review Workgroup Report

(4)

That Rule 6.16 – Age Grades – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 84-86) be amended as it relates to Minor Grade and to read as follows:
"Minor (Under 17) Inter – County – Be Under 17 years and over 15 years.
Minor (Under 18)  Club – Be Under 18 years and over 14 years."

This Motion proposes no other change to Rule. 
Rule Affected – 6.34 O.G.
(Motion effective from January 1st 2018)
Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)

(5)

(A)  That Rule 6.16 - Age Grades  - Official Guide Part 1 (pages 84-86) be amended as it relates to Under 21 Grade and read as follows:
"Under 20 – Inter-County Football – Be Under 20 years and over 18 years.
Under 21 – Inter-County  Hurling – Be Under 21 years and over 18 years.
Club – Be Under 21 years and over 16 years.

This Motion proposes no other change to this Rule.
Rules affected - Rules 6.27(H), 6.28 and 6.34 O.G.

(B)  Add a New Rule as Rule 6.17 – Official Guide Part 1  (with current Rules 6.17 and onwards being re-numbered accordingly): 
"Inter-County Under 20 Football Championship
A Player who is on a team list submitted to a Referee for an Inter-County Senior Championship game at any stage of the Current Championship year is ineligible to participate in the Inter-County Under 20 Football Championship."

Rules affected – Rules 6.16, 6.27(H), 6.28 and 6.34 O.G.

(C) Amend Rule 3.5, Rules of Specification – Official Guide Part 2 (Pages 12-13) by inclusion of
"Inter-County Under 20 Football Championship in which there shall be no replays, with teams level after Extra-Time deciding the game on the outcome of a sudden-death free-taking Competition, the details of which shall be determined by the Central Council."

Amend reference to "Inter County Under 21 Championships" to "Inter-County Under 21 Hurling Championship". 

This Motion proposes no other change to this Rule.

Rules affected – Rule 3.4, Rules of Specification; Rules 6.27(H), 6.16, 6.28 and 6.34 O.G.

(D) Add to Rule 6.27 (H) – Organisation Inter-County Championships – Official Guide Part 1 (page 105) 

"The All Ireland Under 20 Football Championship shall be played in the months of June,  July and August."

Rules affected – Rules 6.16, 6.27(H), 6.28, and 6.34, O.G.

(Motion effective from January 1st 2018.)

Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)

(6)

Add to Rule 6.21 – Inter-County Players Availability to Clubs – Official Guide Part 1 (page 89) as Section (d):
"Players who are not included in an Inter-County Senior Panel of twenty six players, shall be available to their Clubs on the weekends of National League and Senior Championship games."

Penalty: A County shall forfeit Home Venue for its next 'Home Game' in the  respective National League.
 
(Motion effective from January 1st. 2017)

Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)


(7)

Amend Rule 6.30 – All Ireland Finals – Official Guide Part 1 (page 106) to read:
"The All-Ireland Senior Finals shall be played in Croke Park.
The Football Final shall be played on the first Sunday in September, except when there are five Sundays in September when it shall be played on the second Sunday of that month. The Hurling Final shall be played on the Sunday two weeks previous to the Football Final in either circumstance.  In exceptional circumstances, the Central Council may make other arrangements".

Rules affected – Rule 6.27 and 6.28 O.G.

(Motion effective January 1st 2017).

Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)

(

Amend Rule 3.5, Rules of Specification – Time -  Official Guide Part 2 (pages 12-13) to read:
" Unless the Management committee of Central Council otherwise permits on an application by a Competition Control Committee, extra time shall be obligatory in the event of a draw in the following Competitions:

(A)    Inter-County All-Ireland and Provincial Senior Championship   
   Games with the exceptions of  -
(i)   All-Ireland Finals (Sam Maguire and Liam McCarthy Cups only) and  the Provincial Finals, in which Replays shall apply,
                                 and
(ii)   'Round Robin' Group Games in Hurling, in which Rule 6.20(4)(a) shall apply (i.e. one 'table point' credited to each team).

(B) Other Competitions:
- Inter-County Under 21 Championships;
- Inter-County Minor Championships;
- Inter-County Intermediate Championship;
- Inter-County Junior Championship;
- Knock-out Stages of the National Leagues;
- Inter-Provincial Competitions;
- Inter-County Tournaments;
- Inter-Club Provincial and All-Ireland Championships;
- Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups;
- Other games in subsidiary competitions."

Rule Affected – Rule 3.4, Rules of Specification, O.G. Part 2;  Rule 6.20, O.G. Part 1.

(Motion effective from January 1st 2017)
Ard Chomhairle (3.40 (a) (iv) (3)
(9)

Delete 6.27 (G)– All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship – Official Guide Part 1 (page 105).

Rule affected – Rule 6.14(delete), 6.17, and 6.28.

(Motion effective January 1st 2017)

(10)

That the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship in its current structure be abolished by deletion of the current provisions for the Championship in Rule 6.27(H).

Rules affected – Rules 6.15, 6.17 and 6.28.

(Motion effective from January 1st 2017)

Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)


(11)

(1)  That a new section be added to Rule 6.27 – Inter- County Championships – Official Guide Part 1.

All-Ireland Junior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Football Championship shall be organised on a Knock-Out/Open draw basis and shall be confined to the second best teams of the current year's National Football League Division 4 Counties in Ireland, to Kilkenny (graded Junior) and to the winners of the British Championship who shall enter at the quarter final stage.

(2)  That Rule 6.15 – All Ireland Junior – Official Guide Part 1 (page 84) be amended to read:
(1) Inter-County Junior Football, excluding Britain.
Subject to Age Restrictions set out in Rule 6.16, all players from the designated Counties are eligible to participate except:
(a)  Those who have played on an Inter-County Senior Championship Team in the current Championship Year or the previous Championship Year.
Exception:  In the case of a County graded Junior by the Central Council, the Senior players of that County and Senior players declaring for that County shall be eligible to play in the Inter-County Junior Football Championship.
(b)  Those have played on the winning team in the previous year's All-Ireland Junior Football Championship Final.
(2) Inter-County Junior football Championship – Britain.
In the case of Counties in Britain, all players are eligible to participate in the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship except;
(a) Those who have played on an Inter-County Senior Championship team in the current Championship Year.
(b)  Those who have played on the winning team in the previous year's All-Ireland Junior Football Championship Final.

Penalties -  As in Current Rule 6.15

Rules affected – Rules 6.16, 6.27(H) and 6.28

(Motion effective January 1st 2017)
Ard Chomhairle 3.40 (a) (iv) (3)




RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MOTIONS
3.40 (a) (iv) (3)
(12)

That the first paragraph of Rule 1.15 – Anti-Doping – Official Guide Part 1 (page 9) be amended to read as follows:

The Association forbids the use of prohibited substances or methods, a practice generally known as doping in sport.  The Rules of the Association regarding doping are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by Sport Ireland and as amended from time to time.  The latest version can be downloaded from http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Anti-Doping/ .  The Rules contained in the said Irish Anti-Doping Rules shall have effect and be construed as Rules of the Association.

Remainder of Rule to remain unchanged.

Rules Advisory Committee

(13) 

That Rule 2.1(a) – Membership - Official Guide Part 1 (page 13) be amended to read as follows:
There shall be three types of Membership of the Association:

(i)   Full Membership, for persons Over 18 years (i.e.  shall have celebrated 18th birthday prior to January 1st of the Membership Year.
(ii)   Youth Membership, for persons Under 18 and Over 9 years  (i.e. shall  celebrate 18th birthday on January 1st of the Membership Year or on a later date and  shall have celebrated 9th birthday prior to January 1st of the Membership Year).
       (iii)  Child Membership, for children Under 9 years  (i.e. shall celebrate 9th birthday on 
January 1st of the Membership Year or on a later date.
On expiration of a Child Membership of the Association, a person may apply for   Youth Membership of the Association through a Club for which he is eligible to play.
      Rules affected or possibly affected  – Rule 2.2,  2.3;  Rule 5 Club Constitution.
Rules Advisory Committee


(14)

That the following sentence be added at the end of Rule 2.1(c) -  Membership - Official Guide Part 1 (page 13):
A Member who resigns his membership of the Association and thereafter seeks to re-apply for membership  shall be restricted to making such application to the Club of which he was a member prior to his resignation.

Rule affected – Rule 5.3 Club Constitution
Rules Advisory Committee
(15)

That Rule 2.1(f) – Membership - Official Guide Part 1 (page 13) be amended to read:
The Membership of the Gaelic Athletic Association shall run from 1st January to the 31st December each year.
Rules Advisory Committee

(16)
That the following be added to Rule 3.11 – Elections (County Convention) – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 20-21) as a new Section (c) –
(c) Subject to the limitations set out at (b), a County Bye-Law may make provision regulating and controlling eligibility/tenure for election to the Officer positions outlined in Section (a).
Existing Section (c), (d) and (e) to be re-numbered accordingly. 
Rules Advisory Committee
(17)
That Rule 3.11(d) – County Convention- Official Guide Part 1 – (page 21) be amended to read:
Should a vacancy arise in the Officerships of the County Committee or in a County's representation on Central or Provincial Council, it shall be filled on the basis of (a) Nomination by Clubs, (b) ballot vote of Officers and Members of the current County Committee.
Rules Advisory Committee


(18)
That  Rule 3.17 – County Bye Laws - Official Guide Part 1 (page 22) -  be amended to read as follows:
"County Conventions shall make Bye–Laws which shall be reviewed on an annual basis and forwarded to the Management Committee of Central Council within two weeks of the date of Convention for sanction. They shall not become operative until sanctioned.
A County Bye-Law shall not be contrary to a Rule in the Official Guide. They shall not place a restriction on when Club Fixtures are played or govern postponement of fixtures, as such matters constitute powers of the Competition Control Committee.

The Management Committee may, for the purpose of compliance with the General Rules and standardisation, and following consultation between its Rules Advisory Committee and the County Committee concerned, approve amendments to a proposed Bye-Law  submitted for sanction. Such a Bye-Law shall become operative immediately and without the necessity of it receiving further approval of a County or Special Convention.
Motions to remove or amend an existing Bye-Law shall be carried by two-thirds of those present, entitled to vote and voting.

Rules Advisory Committee
(19)

That the following paragraph be added to Rule 3.18 –  County Committee - Official Guide Part 1 (page 23) :
(f) District or other Committees or Clubs may, not later than the 31st August in any year, notify the Secretary of the County Committee in writing of the appointment of a replacement representative  on the County Committee. Such representative shall thereafter assume full membership of the County Committee until the conclusion of the following County Convention.

Rules Advisory Committee
(20)

That Rule 3.19(m) – Powers of County Committee – Official Guide Part 1 (page 26) be amended to read:

"(m)
(i) To allow players of Junior and Intermediate Clubs, including players of Clubs unable to field Junior and/or Intermediate Teams, to play for Divisional or Group Senior Teams.
(ii) To allow players of Junior Clubs, and the players of Intermediate Clubs unable to field in that grade, to play for Group Intermediate Teams.

Rules Advisory Committee
(21)

(A)
That Rule 3.20 (iii) – County's Sub-Committees/Functions - Official Guide Part 1 (page 27) be amended to read as follows:

3.20 Sub-Committees/Functions
A County Committee shall appoint the following Sub-Committees, membership of which shall be set out in County Bye-Laws except as otherwise provided in this Rule:

(iii) Fixtures Analysts
(a) At least one Fixtures Analyst shall be appointed by the Management Committee.

(b) The Fixtures Analyst(s) shall be responsible for monitoring and analysing the County Fixtures Programme on an annual basis.

(c) The Fixtures Analyst(s) shall present a Report to Annual Convention on fixtures played in all club competitions and make recommendations for changes in the fixture calendar where appropriate

d) This report will be submitted to the Provincial and Central Fixtures Analysis Committees annually.

(B)

That Rule 3.32 (x) – Provincial Fixture Planners - Official Guide Part 1 (page 38)  be amended to read as follows:

3.32 (Provincial) Sub Committees Functions
(x) Fixtures Analysts
(a) Two Fixtures Analysts shall be appointed by the Management Committee. One of these shall be nominated as the Provincial Representative on the Central Fixtures Analysis Committee.

(b) The Fixtures Analyst(s) shall be responsible for monitoring and analysing the Provincial Fixtures Programme.

(c) The Fixtures Analyst(s) shall present a Report to Provincial Convention on all Fixtures at Provincial and County levels and make recommendations for changes in the fixture calendar where appropriate

(d)The Fixtures Analyst(s) shall assist the Central Fixtures Analysis Committee in organising the education and training of Fixtures Analysts at County level

(C)
That Rule 3.52 – The Central Fixtures Planning Committee -  Official Guide Part 1 (page 54) be amended to read as follows:
3.52 The Central Fixtures Analysis Committee
(a) It shall consist of no more than ten members including a Chairperson appointed by the Management Committee, four nominated Provincial fixtures analysts and the Secretary of the Competitions Control Committee. 
(b) It shall be responsible for monitoring and analysing the National Fixtures Programme.
(c) It shall present a Report to Annual Congress on all Fixtures at National, Provincial and County levels and make recommendations for changes in the fixtures calendar where appropriate.
(e) It shall determine the National minimum Required Standards for fixtures programmes at all levels.
(f) It shall keep a register and organise the training of all Fixtures Analysts at Provincial and County level.
Rules Advisory Committee
(22)
That Rule 3.35 – Congress - Official Guide Part 1 (page 41) be amended to read as follows:
The Annual Congress shall be held prior to the 1st March. The venue shall be selected by the Central Council, who shall give due consideration to all applications received by the Council. It shall consist of the outgoing Council (voting rights as on Council), the past Presidents, and delegates from Counties in Ireland on the basis of one delegate from each ten affiliated Clubs or fraction of ten over five with a minimum representation from such Counties of four delegates and a maximum representation from any one County of ten delegates. Counties with fewer than five affiliations shall be represented by not more than two delegates.
An International County Committee with less than 10 affiliated Clubs shall have two representatives.
Rest of the Rule to remain unaltered.
                                                                                                             Rules Advisory Committee
(23)

That Rule 3.55 (c) Handball – Official Guide Part 1 (page 56) be amended to read as follows:

" All Handball Committees at National, Provincial and County level, shall be Sub-Committees of the respective G.A.A. Committee or Council, and shall be responsible to them in all matters. 

Notwithstanding anything contained in Rules pertaining to the roles and functions of County Committees, Provincial Councils or Central Council, Handball Committees may hold  an Annual  General  Meeting prior to the 30th November each year." 

Rules possibly affected: 3.19, 3.20,3.29,3.30,3.32,3.42, 3.43.

Rules Advisory Committee
(24)

That a new Rule 3.56 – Official Guide Part 1 be inserted as follows with the existing Rule 3.56 and subsequent Rules re-numbered as appropriate.

3.56 ROUNDERS

(a)   The Rounders Council of Ireland shall, subject to the overall control of Central Council, be responsible for the promotion of the National Game of Rounders.
(b)   The affairs of the Rounders Council of Ireland shall be subject to the General Rules of the Association and the Constitution for the regulation of its affairs as sanctioned by the Management Committee.
Rules Advisory Committee
(25)
The last sentence of Riail 3.58 – Deviation from Rule -  Official Guide Part 1 (page 56): be amended to read as follows:

Application for permission as in (a) and (b) above must be made annually.

Rules Advisory Committee




(26)

That a new Rule 4.17 – Player Injury Scheme - Official Guide Part 1  be inserted as follows 
Central Council may make arrangements for the provision of a Player Injury Scheme for members of Units of the Association. The Scheme shall be administered in accordance with such  terms and conditions as may be determined from time to time.
Any member or unit of the Association found, following investigation by Central Council, to have made, or assisted in the making of a fraudulent claim under the Scheme shall be deemed to have discredited the Association and shall be liable to the penalties set out in Rule 7.2 (e)
Rules Advisory Committee
(27)
That the Definition of First Club – Rule 6.3 – Official Guide Part 1 (page 69) be amended to read as follows:
The Club (or Club within an Independent Team) with which a player first legally (i.e. in accordance with Rule and Bye-Law) participated in Club Competition at U12 Grade or over (including Go-Games) organised by the County Committee or one of its Sub-Committees in the County of his permanent residence.
Rules Advisory Committee
(28)
(A) That Rule 6.4(a) – Attachment to First Club - Official Guide Part 1 (page 70) be amended to read as follows:
For the purposes of this Rule, a person first becomes a member of the Association by joining a Club of the Association, as a Youth Member, within the County of his permanent residence.

(B) That Rule 6.4(d) – Attachment to First Club - Official Guide Part 1  (page 70) be amended to read as follows:
When a player first legally participates in Club Competition with a Club (including a Club within an Independent Team) at Under 12 Grade or over (including Go-Games) organised by the County Committee or one of its Sub-Committees, that Club becomes his First Club.
Rules Advisory Committee


(29)

That the following be adopted as a new Rule 6.6, Official Guide Part 1
In the case of a member seeking a transfer or attachment to a Unit of the Association, he may be accompanied at a Hearing by one Full Member of either the Club/Unit of which he is currently a member of or the Club/Unit to which he wishes to transfer or be attached.

Rules affected – Rule 7.3(x); Current Rule 6.6 and subsequent Rules to be re-numbered accordingly.
Rules Advisory Committee
(30)

(A)
That Rule 6.6(b) Exceptions (ii) and (iii) – Inter-County Transfers – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 72-73) be amended to read as follows:

(ii)    Add to the Rule "subject to the player being Over 18 years as defined in Rule 6.16
(iii)    Add to the Rule "subject to the player being Over 18 years as defined in Rule 6.16

Rules affected – Rules 6.3 and 6.8

(B)
That Rule 6.8 (B) (ii) and (iii) – Playing Restrictions (County and Province) – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 76-77) be amended to read as follows:

(ii)     Add to the Rule "subject to the player being Over 18 years as defined in Rule 6.16
(iii)    Add to the Rule "subject to the player being Over 18 years as defined in Rule 6.16

Rule affected – Rules 6.3 and 6.8.

Rules Advisory Committee







(31)

That Rule 6.7(B) (2) – Playing Restrictions (Club) – Official Guide Part 1 (page 74) be amended by the first line of (a) and (b) reading:

"With an Independent Under 21, Minor or Younger Grade Team".

Rule Affected – Rule 3.19(n)
                        Rules Advisory Committee
(32)

(A) That Rule 6.11(b)(vi) – Sanctions - Official Guide Part 1 –(page 80) be amended to read as follows:

"A player who has received a Sanction shall not be eligible to play with his Own Club in Ireland (other than in exceptional circumstances to be determined by Central Council from time to time) for the 30 days after the date of approval of his Sanction in Croke Park but is eligible to play with his Own County.

(B) That Rule 6.11(b)(vii) – Sanctions - Official Guide Part 1 (page 80) - be amended to read as follows:

"A Sanctioned player who returns to Ireland and plays with his Own Club may not subsequently return to resume playing in America or Canada in the same year.
Rules Advisory Committee
(33)

(A)  That Rule 6.13 (1)(a) – Inter-Club Intermediate - Official Guide Part 1 (page 82)  be reworded as follows:

"These who are currently graded as Club Senior Championship status in the Code"

(B) That Rule 6.13(2)(a) – Inter-Club Intermediate - Official Guide Part 1 (page 82)  be reworded as follows:

"Those who are currently graded as Club Senior or Intermediate Championship status in the Code."

Rule affected: Rules 6.18 and 6.19
Rules Advisory Committee
(34)

Amend Rule 6.18 – Club Championship and League  Status of players – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 86-87) as follows:

In Section leading with the words
"A player shall not lose his current Championship Status by";  Insert:

  (1) Playing in a Senior or Intermediate Championship on a Divisional or Group Senior or
     Intermediate team.
  (2) Playing on a College Club team in a Senior Championship, as allowed by Rule 6.7, 
     Exception (3).

Current provisions (1) and (2) to become (3) and (4).

Rules affected – Rules 6.13  and 6.19
Rules Advisory Committee

(35)

That Rule 6.19 – Gradings of Clubs and Players - Official Guide Part 1 (page 87) be amended to read
A County Committee shall delegate responsibility for dealing with applications for Regrading to its Competitions Control Committee subject to the following:
(a)   The County Committee shall retain the right to make the final decision on an application for Regrading by a Club.

(b)   A Player aggrieved by a decision on his application for Regrading shall have the right of appeal to the County Hearings Committee whose decision shall be final. The appeal shall be made within three working days of the receipt of notification of the decision, it shall state the grounds on which the appeal is being made and shall be signed by the appellant player. Other formalities regarding submission of appeal (e.g. provision of duplicate copy, fee) outlined in Rule 7.11 (f) to (i), are not applicable in this case. All other relevant sections of Rule 7.11 shall apply. An appeal may only be upheld on the basis of the provisions outlined in Rule 7.11(o).

The remainder of the Rule to be unchanged.

[Line Ball]

(36)
That Rule 6.24 - Organisation (Provincial and All Ireland Club) Official Guide Part 1  (page 91) be amended as follows:
After the third paragraph "If a County Championship winning team .................... to represent it" insert the following:
"Similarly, in the event of a County Championship not being completed but only one remaining team in that championship is eligible to participate in the Provincial Championship, the County Committee shall nominate that Club to represent it.

Nominations in any other circumstances are not allowed.
Except as provided above, in the event of a County or Provincial Championship not being completed, the respective Provincial or All Ireland Championship shall continue without a representative of the County or Province concerned."

Rules Advisory Committee

(37)

That Rule 7.4(a) – Validity of Team Constitution - Official Guide Part 1 (page 137) be amended to read as follows:

(a)   Without prejudice to the general disciplinary jurisdiction of the Council or Committee-in-Charge or the Rules concerning Objections,  the Competitions Control Committee  of a Council or Committee- in-Charge may of its own volition at any time or on receipt of a request from a Unit involved in a game,  not later than three days after the official  starting time of the game, shall investigate in such manner as it deems fit the validity of the constitution of a Team taking part in the Game..

Rules Advisory Committee


(38)   

That Rule 7.3 (p) Procedures for Disciplinary and Related Hearings – Official Guide Part 1 (page 131) by adding the following:

Exception: Where the Fixed Penalty for Debarment from playing for the Remainder of the Game, to include any extra-time, set down for non-repeat Category 1 and 11 infractions is concerned, the member involved shall be entitled only to written notice of the Confirmation of the Penalty initially.

A member may seek a Hearing on any or all Category 1 or 11 infractions involved only at the point when a Match Suspension, or its time equivalent, is proposed.

Rules Advisory Committee


(39)
That the first paragraph of Rule 7.12 – Reinstatements - Official Guide Part 1 (page 153)- be amended to read as follows:
(a)   Central Council shall consider and adjudicate on the recommendations made
by the Central Appeals Committee for the re-instatement or otherwise of players/members serving a suspension imposed in accordance with Rule.
Remainder of the Rule to remain unchanged.
Rules Advisory Committee
(40)
Amend Article 5.9 of the Club Constitution – Official Guide Part 1 (page 162) - in its first line to read:.
"The name and address of a person proposed as a Full Member  ....................." etc.
Rules affected – Rules 2.1  Official Guide Pat 1.
Rules Advisory Committee







STANDING COMMITTEE ON PLAYING RULES
3.40 (a) (iv) (4)
(41)
Rule 3.40 (a) (iv) (4) Motions from the Standing Committee on Playing Rules
Amend Rule 2 – Set Play, the Rules of Football – Official Guide Part 2, (pages 62-64)  to provide for the introduction of 'The Mark'
"When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded 'a Mark' by the Referee.
The player awarded a 'Mark' shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.
The following procedures shall apply:
(a)   A Free Kick
The player shall signify to the Referee that he is availing of and then take the free kick himself from the hand from the point where he was awarded the 'Mark'.   
Once the player indicates he is taking the 'Mark' the Referee will allow up to five seconds for the player to take the kick.   If the player delays longer than five seconds the Referee will cancel the 'Mark' and throw in the ball between a player from each side.
Once the player indicates he is taking the 'Mark', the opposing players must retreat 10m to allow the player space to take the kick.   If an opposition player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10m, or if an opposition player impedes the player while he is taking the kick, the Referee shall penalise the opposition by bringing the ball forward 13m.
If the Referee determines that the player who makes the 'Mark' has been injured in the process and is unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the Player's nearest team mate to take the kick but he may not score directly from the kick.

(b)   Play on immediately
   (i) In this circumstance the player may not be challenged for the ball until he carries the
       ball up to a maximum of four consecutive steps or holds the ball for no longer than the
       time needed to take four steps and/or  makes one act of kicking, hand- passing,
       bouncing or toe-tapping the ball.
    (ii) If he is illegally challenged, a free kick shall be awarded to his team from the point at 
       which the challenge is made, and this free kick may be taken by any player on his team."

Rules affected – Rules 1,  3,  4,  5 Definitions Rules of Football
                                                     
                                                           Ard Chomhairle/Standing Committee on Playing Rules

(42)
Amend Rule 5.12, T.O. 2015 (Official Guide Part 2) (Playing Rules of Football) – Aggressive Fouls (Page 82) - to read:
"To deliberately collide with an opponent after he has played the ball away or for the purpose of taking him out of the movement of play"

Ard Chomhairle/Standing Committee on Playing Rules




MOTIONS CARRIED AT COUNTY CONVENTIONS/
SUBMITTED DIRECTLY BY A COUNTY COMMITTEE
3.40 (a) (i) (ii)

(43)
That a new Rule 1.18 – Broadcast Rights - Official Guide Part 1 be introduced:
That Congress 2016 enacts a New Rule [1.18]: "Broadcast Rights
All televised Inter-County Championship games shall be available on free to air T.V."
Rules affected/possibly affected: Rules 3.30, 3.36(f), 3.43, 3.46, Part 1, (Treoraí Oifigiúil 2015).
Effective from 1/ 1/2017.
Naomh Seosamh Buachailli Uí Chonaill, Áth Cliath

(44)
That Rule 3.11 (b) Exceptions (2) – County Convention Elections - Official Guide Part 1 (page 20) be amended to read:
Where a County Bye-Law provides that the Treasurer and / or Children's Officer and / or P.R.O. are / is not subject to the maximum period of office of five years.
If a member is elected or appointed to an Officer position 'in term' twenty six weeks or less before the next Convention, that time served shall not be considered as part of the five years' period.
Fionnbhrú Colmcille, Áth Cliath


(45)

That Rule 3.20 (xiv)– County Sub-Committees/Functions - Official Guide Part 1 (page 29)  be replaced by the following:-
Child Safeguarding and Health and Well Being Committee

It shall be responsible for:

(a)   The safeguarding and promotion of the interests of wellbeing of all those under 18 years of age who are involved in our games and other activities.
(b)   All health related matters referred to it by the County Committee and/or the County Management Committee.

Persons with the particular skill sets appropriate to the respective functions of the Committee shall act as complementary work-groups.

Rules affected or possible affected – Rules 1.13 and 3.11 O.G.

                                                                                              Coiste Chontae Chorcaí
(46)

That Rule 3.25 (b) T.O. 2015 – Provincial Convention Elections - Official Guide Part 1 (page 31) be amended to read as follows:
A Provincial Officer, other than a full time Secretary and Treasurer, shall not hold office for more than three consecutive years. A Treasurer may not hold office for more than six consecutive years. Should a vacancy arise in the Officerships of the Provincial Council prior to 31st October in any year, it shall be filled on the basis of (a) nominations of the counties (b) ballot vote of Counties, (based on Provincial Convention voting strength) and Members of current Provincial Council.
                                                                                                   Dun Bleisce, Luimneach

(47)
That Rule 3.46 (a) – Management Committee - Official Guide Part 1 (page 51) be amended as follows (remainder of Rule unchanged):-
(a) It shall consist of the President, the Director General (without voting rights), the President elect, if in office, the immediate Past President for the year after his term of office as President, the Chairmen of the Provincial Councils, the two Representatives of Congress elected by Congress, one Central Council member from each of the four Provinces and one Central Council member from International Units, elected by Central Council, and two Nominees of the President and Director General, who are members of the Association, subject to their approval by Central Council, and the Finance Director (without voting powers).
Coiste Chontae Eorpa
(48)
That Rule 5.1(b) Note (1) - Uses of Property – Official Guide Part 1 (page 65) be amended to read as follows:
Central Council shall have the power to authorise the use of Croke Park and all County Grounds for games other than those controlled by the association.
C.L.G. Naomh Iosaif Sráid Na Cathrach, An Clár

(49)

That Rule 6.9 'Special Eligibility Provisions for Hurling' – Official Guide Part 1 (page 77) be deleted.

Craobh Rua Chamlocha, Ard Mhacha

(50)
That Rule 6.11 (d) (iii) Playing in the U.S.A./Canada/Australasia/Europe (Page 78-81) be amended as follows:
(1)   That Rule 6.11(d)(iii) include "Australasian Board" for Transfers
(2)   That all references to Sanctions for the "Australasian Board" be deleted from Rule 6.11(b)(i), (v), (x), (xi) and (d) (ii).
Coiste Chontae An Astráil
(51)
That Rule 6.16 – Age Grades - Official Guide Part 1  (pages 84-86) be amended as it relates to Age Restrictions in respect of participation in Adult Competitions to read as follows:-

"Adult
- Club for non-Championship competitions - be over 16 years.
- Club for Championship competitions - be over 17 years.
- Inter-County – be over 18 years."

The rest of the Rule to remain unaltered.

Proposed amended Rule to become operative four weeks from the date of Annual Congress.

Cnoc an Teampaill, Corcaigh
(52)

That Rule 6.18 - Club Championship and League Status of Players Official Guide Part 1 (page 86) be amended as set out below:-

In Section dealing with:

"A Player shall not lose his current Championship status by", delete provision (1)

"(1) Participating in a game or Competition the purpose of which is to determine Qualification/relegation for the following year's Championship."
or
Naomh Laisrian Mainistir, Laoise
(53)
That Rule 6.20 Part (4) (c) – County Championships - Official Guide – Part 1 (page 88) be amended as follows (changes underlined):
(4) If a Championship is partly organised on a League basis, the following Regulations shall apply:
(a) League results shall be credited as follows: 2 points for a win, and one for a draw.
(b) If a Team is Disqualified or Retires during the course of the League Stage, its played Games shall stand and its unplayed Games shall be awarded to the Opposing Teams.
(c) Except where provided for otherwise in County Bye-Law or in Competition Regulation, when Teams finish with equal points for Qualification for the Concluding Stages, or for Promotion or Relegation, the tie shall be decided by the following means and in the order specified:
(i) Where two or more Teams are involved - the outcome of the meeting of the Teams in the previous games in the Competition;
(ii) Scoring Difference (subtracting the total Scores Against from total Scores For);
(iii) Highest Total Score For;
(iv) A Play-Off.
Exceptions to (c):
(1)   In relation to means (ii) and (iii) above, if the accumulated scores of a team or teams, so involved, are disadvantaged by a disqualification, loss of game on a proven objection, retirement or walk over, the tie shall be decided by a Play-Off.
(2)   Regulations (i), (ii) and (iii) shall not apply to under 16or younger age grade competitions.
(3)  Part (d) remains unchanged

Rule 6.37 remains unchanged
Cumann Naomh Pádraig, An Goirtín, Tír Eoghain
(54)
That Rule 6.21 (c) – Inter-County Players Availability to Clubs - Official Guide Part 1 (page 89) be deleted.
Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain;  Realt na Mara, Bundobhráin, Dún na nGall


(55)
That Rule 6.24 (a) (ii) – Organisation (Provincial and All-Ireland Club) - Official Guide Part 1 (page 91) be deleted and amend the following paragraph accordingly.
Rath Naoi, Cill Mhantáin

(56)
That Rule 6.24(a) - Organisation (Provincial and All-Ireland Club) - Official Guide Part 1  (page 91) be amended to include provision for a Provincial and All-Ireland Club Championship in a Grade between Senior and Intermediate, to be entitled Premier Intermediate, with qualification for either this Grade or the Intermediate Grade being determined based on the relative strength of the respective participants' County Intermediate Championship.                                                       
Proposed wording of amended Rule 6.24(a), as follows:-
Organisation (Provincial and All-Ireland)
(a) Provincial and All-Ireland Club Championship shall be organised in Senior, Premier Intermediate, Intermediate and Junior Grades.
The following Eligibility Rules shall apply:
(i) A Divisional or Group Team winning a County Championship shall not participate.
(ii) The Premier Intermediate, Intermediate and Junior Grades shall be confined to Clubs whose top grade is respectively Premier Intermediate, Intermediate or Junior.
(iii) The representative at Intermediate Grade from any County that has not more than 25% of its clubs in that code entering at a higher grade (i.e. Senior and Premier Intermediate), shall only be eligible to compete at Premier Intermediate Grade and not Intermediate Grade, for the Provincial and All-Ireland Championships.
The rest of the Section to remain unchanged.
C.L.G. Naomh Eoin, An Clár
(57)
That Rule 6.27 (A) – All-Ireland Senior Football Championship - Official Guide Part 1 (pages 93-96) shall be amended to read as follows;
1.   Provincial Championships. These championships shall be played on a straight Knock Out Format. The winners shall qualify for separate All Ireland Championship Quarter Finals where they shall not meet the team they defeated in the provincial final. Extra time shall be mandatory in all games including provincial finals. All games in all provinces must be completed not later than the first week end in July. Other than that arrangements shall be a matter for the Provincial Councils.
2.   B. All Ireland Senior Football Championships.
(i) All Ireland Senior Football Championship Tier 1. The All Ireland Football Championships shall be organised on a two tier basis. Tier 1 shall be played for the Sam Maguire Cup. It shall consist of the winners and runners up of the four provincial championships, (8 teams) and the eight highest ranked teams in the National Football Leagues, (8 teams), after the provincial finalists are excluded, for the first year.
From year two onwards it shall consist of the winners and runners up of the four provincial championships, the winner in Tier 2 from the previous year and the seven highest ranked teams in the National Football Leagues after the provincial finalists are excluded.
Provincial winners shall be entitled to a home draw in round one of this competition. In all other games up to semi final stage the first team drawn shall have home venue.
The competition shall be run on an open draw knock out basis apart from the exception mentioned above regarding provincial championship winners, with extra time in all games including the final.
Provincial finalists shall be allowed a thirteen day gap between their provincial finals and their participation in Tier 1 games. Provincial finalists shall be entitled to a home draw in their first game in this competition.
(ii) All Ireland Senior Football Championship Tier 2. This shall consist of the remaining 16 teams in the National Football League. Games in this competition shall be paired with games in Tier 1 in so far as possible up to semi final stage. It shall be mandatory that the semi finals and finals are so paired.
The competition shall be run on a knock out basis with extra time in all games including the final.
Other than as specified above, dates and venues shall be a matter for the Central Competitions Control Committee.
Note 1. Central Council shall have the authority to decide on a suitable and appropriately named trophy for Tier 2.
Note 2. Arrangements for venues shall be conditional on grounds being deemed suitable to meet the criteria set down by the National Health and Safety Committee and the Central Competitions Control Committee.
Rules affected in accordance with Rule 3.40 (c) T.O. 2015; Rule 6.28 T.O. 2015, Rule 6.27 T.O. 2015 and Rule 3.5 of the Rules of Specification T.O. 2015.
Cill Mor, Ros Comáin

(58)
That Rule 6.27 (A) – All-Ireland Senior Football Championship - Official Guide Part 1  (pages 93-96) be amended as follows:
The Championship shall be organised as follows:-
Delete all of (i), (ii), (ii) and (iv) and add in the following:-
Provincial Championships: - These championships shall be played on a Knock-Out format.
All Ireland Championships: -
Structure:
The All Ireland Championship shall be seeded.
The eight teams which contested the previous year's Provincial Championship Finals shall be the top seeds.
Second seeds shall be the beaten semi-finalists in the Provincial Championships from the previous year.
Third and fourth seeds shall be determined by the finishing positions in the National Football League of the current year.

Competition Format

Round 1
Tier 3 teams v Tier 4 teams with Tier 4 teams at home.
Counties from the same province shall be separated where possible in the draw or at the very least no duplication of provincial championship pairings shall be allowed.

Round 2
Tier 2 teams v the winners of Round 1.
Counties from the same province shall be separated where possible in the draw
or at the very least no duplication of provincial championship pairings shall be allowed.

Round 3
Tier 1 teams v the winners of Round 2 in the last 16.
No duplication of provincial championship pairings shall be allowed

Quarter Finals
Open draw between the winners of Round 3.

Semi Finals
Open Draw

All Ireland Final

Coiste Chontae Cheatharlach

(59)


That Rule 6.27(B) – All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 96-99) be amended to allow for the participation of the Christy Ring Cup Winners in the Leinster Championship Quarter-Finals in the current year of its winning the Christy Ring Cup.

Amendments proposed as follows:-

(1)   Stages
(i)   Provincial Championships, (b) Leinster
Add the following:
"The Christy Ring Cup Winners shall qualify for the Leinster Quarter-Finals in the current year of winning the Christy Ring Cup"

(2)   Stage (ii) All-Ireland Qualifier Series
Amend to read:
             "Round 1 – This shall comprise of eight of the teams that were defeated in the           
            Munster and Leinster Quarter and Semi-Finals.
            Two Groups shall be formed as follows:-
               
Group 1 –    Four Leinster Championship Teams - the two defeated Semi-Finalists               
                      and two of the four defeated Quarter-Finalists.
A Play-Off shall determine the three defeated                                   
Quarter-Finalists that will qualify for this stage of the Championship.

         Group 2 –    Three Munster plus one Leinster Championship Team.
         The Leinster Championship Team to be included in the Munster
                                      Group shall, where feasible, be one of the three Teams that       
                                      qualified for the Leinster Quarter-Finals through the Provincial
                                      Qualifier Group or through the winning of the Christy Ring Cup
                                       in the current year.
              If however two of these three teams qualify for the Leinster 
Final, then the replacement shall be one of the Leinster Teams   
defeated by them.   A draw shall be made, as appropriate, to
determine the Team to be included in the Munster Group."

Rest of provisions re Round 1 to remain unchanged.


(3)   Promotion/Relegation
Amend the final paragraph to read:

"2017 and onwards – the fourth placed Team shall be relegated to the Christy Ring Cup.   The Christy Ring Cup winners shall participate in the Leinster Championship at Quarter-Final stage in the current Championship Year and shall be promoted to the Provincial Qualifier Group for the following year.

Remainder of Rule 6.27(B) to remain unchanged.
Possible Rule affected – 6.27(C)
(Effective from 2017)

Fánaithe an Ghleanna, Aontroim

(60)
That Rule 6.27(B)(ii) – All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Qualifier Series – Official Guide Part 1 (pages 97-98) be amended to read:
"Round 1
This shall comprise the eight teams that were defeated in the Munster and Leinster Quarter and Semi-Finals. The Teams shall play on a Knock-Out basis.  Subject to the avoidance of repeat pairings an open draw of four pairings shall be made.  Venues shall be on a Home or Away basis and shall be determined by a Draw.  The four Winners shall progress to Round 2.
Round 2
The four winners of Round 1 shall play on a Knock-Out basis.  Subject to the avoidance of Repeat Pairings, where feasible, a Draw shall be made to determine the Pairings".
                                                                                                  Comhairle Laighean   


(61)

That Rule 6.27 (F) – All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship - Official Guide Part 1 (page 103) be amended as follows: delete all words (from the first "The" to the final "Council") and replace with the following:

All-Ireland Inter County Minor Hurling Championship.

Competing counties shall initially enter their provincial minor hurling competition.
The All-Ireland series shall be organised as follows:
The Munster and Leinster champions shall automatically qualify for separate All-Ireland semi-finals.
The remaining two semi-final places shall be filled by two teams qualifying from a Quarter Final series, organised as follows:

All-Ireland Minor Hurling Quarter Finals
Qualifying counties:
(1)   The Munster and Leinster runners up who shall qualify for separate All-Ireland Quarter Final places
(2)   Two Leinster teams who shall be the losers of the Quarter Finals of the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship
(3)   Two Munster teams who shall be the losers of the first round play-offs in the Munster Minor Hurling Championship
(4)   The Connacht and the Ulster champions

The teams in (2), (3) and (4) shall enter a Round Robin series from which two teams shall qualify for the Quarter Finals proper.

These six teams shall be divided into two groups of three teams.
Each group shall consist of one team from Munster, one team from Leinster and one team from either Connacht or Ulster. (Note: The Ulster team shall be given a bye in the first of the group games.)
Each team will play both of the others in the group
Teams will be ranked in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6.20 (4)(a).
At the end of the group games the two top ranked teams in each group will cross-play (A1 vB2 and B1 v A2).
The two winners shall qualify for the Quarter Finals and shall be drawn, one each, against the Munster and the Leinster runners up.

All-Ireland Minor Hurling Semi-Finals
The Munster and Leinster champions shall each play one of the Quarter Final winners and as far is feasible two teams from the same province shall not be drawn against each other in a Semi-Final.

All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final
The winners of the All-Ireland Semi-finals shall play each other in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final.
   
This new format to be effective from 2016.

Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe

(62)

That the second paragraph of Rule 6.28 (a) – Provincial Championships – Official Guide Part 1 (page 105) quoted below is amended to read as also proposed below:

Current Text:

"Minor Provincial Championships shall commence not earlier than the second week of April and not later than May 1st, and shall be decided during the months of April, May, June (as authorised by Central Council, based on Second Level Schools' examination dates) and July."

Amended Text Proposed:

"Minor Provincial Championships may commence not earlier than the third week of March and shall commence not later than May 1st, and shall be decided during the months of March, April, May, June (as authorised by Central Council, based on Second Level Schools' examination dates) and July."

Comhairle Na Mumhan

(63)

That Rule 7.3(f) (ii) – Procedures for Disciplinary and Related Hearings - Official Guide Part 1 (page 129) be amended to read:

The Referee has failed to submit his Report within a period of 5 days after the game concerned; or
Naomh Cillian CLG. Crois Ban, Ard Mhacha





(64)

That Rule 7.2 of the Club Constitution –  Executive Committee - Official Guide Part 1 – Appendix 5 (page 163)  by the inclusion of 'Hurling Development Officer.

That in the Club Constitution Clause 7.2 the words "Hurling Development Officer" be included.

Cumann Éire Óg, An Charraig Mhór, Cumann Naomh Mhuire, Coill an Chlochair, Tír Eoghain

(65)

That Rule 7.5 of the Club Constitution – Executive Committee - Official Guide Part 1 Appendix 5 (page 163) be amended to read as follows:

7.5 The Executive Committee including the Players' Representative, shall be elected by the Full Members present, entitled to vote and voting at the Annual General Meeting. Exception: The Children's Officer and the Officer for Irish Language and Culture shall be appointed at the Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of the outgoing Executive Committee.
Naomh Dominic, Ros Comáin

(66)

That Rule 11.11 of Club Constitution – Club Financial Year - Official Guide Part 1 (page 174) be amended to read: "The end of the Club Financial Year shall be September 30th.

Clann na nGael, Ard Mhacha

[Line Ball]

Annual Congress 2016: The Motions Explained

This coming Friday and Saturday (February 26 and 27) the GAA's Annual Congress will take place at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co. Carlow.

This year a total of 65 motions will come before the delegates to be discussed and voted upon. Unlike last year, this is not a 'playing rules congress'.

The motions come from a variety of sources; Central Council have submitted the majority of the motions, in different guises. For example, Motions 4 to 11 are submitted from Central Council on the back of a number of sub-committee reports published in recent years, such as the Football Review Committee report (2013), Hurling 2020 report (2014) and the Minor Review Workgroup report (2014).

Motions 12 to 40 come from the Rules Advisory Committee, many of which are technical and relate to administrative 'tidying up' of the rulebook, while motions 41 and 42 have been submitted from the Standing Committee on the Playing Rules.

Finally, motions 43-65 have been submitted by counties/provinces.

The full list of motions as they will appear before the delegates are available to be downloaded in a word document at the end of this article.

Here are some useful documents to read alongside examining the motions:

​2016 Annual Report
GAA Official Guide Part 1
GAA Official Guide Part 2

And below is a simplified guide to the motions to be dealt with in Carlow this weekend.

***

Motion 1: The first motion relates to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and it essentially seeks to retain the structure used for the championship from 2014-2016 for future years. The current structure, which includes a Leinster 'round robin' qualifying group, was introduced at Congress 2013 for a three-year period and this motion seeks to retain that structure.

Motion 2: This motion, if passed, paves the way for an All-Ireland 'B' Championship in football to be introduced. The 'B' Championship, which would take place after the completion of the provincial championships, which would take place as normal, would comprise of the eight teams that would make up Division IV of the following year's league. In the event of one of those teams reaching their provincial final, the lowest placed team that was not relegated in that season's Division III would enter the 'B' Championship, with the provincial finalist from next year's Division IV taking part in the main All-Ireland Senior Championship.

Motion 3: Only applicable if Motion 2 is passed. Would allow for matches in the 'B' Championship to be 70 minutes long.

Motion 4: Proposes that the minor grade, at inter-county level only, become U17 and no longer U18. It proposes that all minor players at inter-county level be aged between 15 and 17 and at club level, between 14 and 18. To be effective from January 1, 2018.

Motion 5: Proposes the abolition of the U21 grade at inter-county football level, to be replaced with an U20 grade, with players eligible to be aged between 18 and 20. It proposes no such change to the U21 grade for hurling, or at club level, in either code.

The motion includes some supplementary information on the U20 championship, in the event of the motion being passed. The competition is proposed to take place between June and August, with no replays. Drawn games will be decided by extra-time, and, in the event of that not providing a winner, by "the outcome of a sudden-death free-taking competition, the details of which shall be determined by the Central Council." The motion also proposes that any player on a team list submitted to an inter-county referee for a senior inter-county championship match in that season will not be eligible to compete in the U20 competition. The U21 grade in hurling, and at club level in both codes, will be entirely unaffected by this motion.

Motion 6: This motion proposes the following: "Players who are not included in an Inter-County Senior Panel of 26 players, shall be available to their Clubs on the weekends of National League and Senior Championship games." In the event of this rule not being implemented by counties, the penalty is as follows: "A County shall forfeit Home Venue for its next 'Home Game' in the respective National League."

Motion 7: A very significant motion. This proposes that All-Ireland football finals be played on the first Sunday in September, with the hurling final to be played two weeks prior. The aim of this motion is to provide more space for playing club games in the month of September. Effective from January 1, 2017.

The specific wording is as follows:

"The Football Final shall be played on the first Sunday in September, except when there are five Sundays in September when it shall be played on the second Sunday of that month. The Hurling Final shall be played on the Sunday two weeks previous to the Football Final in either circumstance. In exceptional circumstances, the Central Council may make other arrangements".

Motion 8: This motion seeks to make extra-time obligatory for practically all games, with a handful of exceptions, namely All-Ireland finals and provincial finals.

Motion 9: This motion proposes the abolition of the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship (inter-county only). Effective from January 1, 2017.

Motion 10: This motion proposes the abolition of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship in its current form. The following motion, Motion 11, proposes a new structure to the championship, so these motions are indelibly linked.

Motion 11: This motion proposes that the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship be reconstituted on the following basis:

"The All-Ireland Junior Football Championship shall be organised on a Knock-Out/Open draw basis and shall be confined to the second best teams of Counties in Ireland that participated in the current year's National Football League Division 4, to any County within Ireland graded Junior by the Central Council and to the winners of the All Britain Junior Football Championship, who shall enter the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship at the quarter-final stage.

This motion includes a considerable amount of supplementary information in relation to eligibility, and in relation to teams from Britain.

***

Motions 12-40 are submitted based upon a report of the Rules Advisory Committee. Many are technical and administrative in nature.

Motion 12: This motion, very simply, proposes the following amendment be introduced to a section in the Official Guide in relation to anti-doping procedure:

"The Association forbids the use of prohibited substances or methods, a practice generally known as doping in sport. The Rules of the Association regarding doping are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by Sport Ireland and as amended from time to time. The latest version can be downloaded from http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/Anti-Doping/ . The Rules contained in the said Irish Anti-Doping Rules shall have effect and be construed as Rules of the Association."

Motions 13, 14, 15: Relate to different types of membership of the GAA.

Motions 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21: Relate to election of officers at county conventions, procedures and powers of county committees and sub-committees, the appointment of fixtures analysts.

Motion 22: Relates to the staging of Congress; proposes it be staged before March 1 every year, and also concerns the number of representatives counties can have.

Motion 23: Relates to handball committees.

Motion 24: Relates to Rounders.

Motions 25: Minor, technical change in the 'Deviation from Rule' section of the Official Guide.

Motion 26: Relates to the Player Injury Scheme.

Motions 27, 28, 29 30, 31: Relates to definitions of first club, attachments to first club, transfers and some technical changes on references to playing restrictions.

Motion 32: Relates to sanctions.

Motion 33, 34 and 35: A number of technical motions related to club championships.

Motion 36: Relates to the nomination of clubs to represent a county in a provincial championship, in the event of a county championship not being completed in time.

Motion 37: Relates to Procedures for Disciplinary and Related Hearings.

Motions, 38, 39, 40: Technical motions relating to validity of team constitution, reinstatements and the club constitution.

***

Motions 41 and 42 submitted by Central Council on foot of proposals from the Standing Committee on the Playing Rules approved by Central Council

Motion 41: This motion provides for the introduction of 'the mark' in Gaelic football. This is precisely what is proposed:

"When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the KickOut point, he shall be awarded 'a Mark' by the Referee. The player awarded a 'Mark' shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b Playing on immediately.

The following procedures shall apply:

(a) A Free Kick

The player shall signify to the Referee that he is availing of and then take the free kick himself from the hand from the point where he was awarded the 'Mark'.

Once the player indicates he is taking the 'Mark' the Referee will allow up to five seconds for the player to take the kick. If the player delays longer than five seconds the Referee will cancel the 'Mark' and throw in the ball between a player from each side. Once the player indicates he is taking the 'Mark', the opposing players must retreat 10m to allow the player space to take the kick. If an opposition player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10m, or if an opposition player impedes the player while he is taking the kick, the Referee shall penalise the opposition by bringing the ball forward 13m.

If the Referee determines that the player who makes the 'Mark' has been injured in the process and is unable to take the kick, the Referee shall direct the Player's nearest team mate to take the kick but he may not score directly from the kick.

(b) Play on immediately (i) In this circumstance the player may not be challenged for the ball until he carries the ball up to a maximum of four consecutive steps or holds the ball for no longer than the time needed to take four steps and/or makes one act of kicking, hand passing, bouncing or toe-tapping the ball.

(ii) If he is illegally challenged, a free kick shall be awarded to his team from the point at which the challenge is made, and this free kick may be taken by any player on his team."

Motion 42: This motion proposes that the section on 'Aggressive Fouls' in the Official Guide be amended to read:

"To deliberately collide with an opponent after he has played the ball away or for the purpose of taking him out of the movement of play."

***

Motions 43-65 have been submitted by counties/provinces.

Motion 43 (Dublin): This motion proposes that all televised inter-county championship games be available on free to air TV.

Motion 44 (Dublin): Technical rule change relating to appointments and terms of certain county officers.

Motion 45: Relates to the Child Safeguarding and Health and Well Being Committee. Proposes that said committee be responsible for:

(a) The safeguarding and promotion of the interests of wellbeing of all those under 18 years of age who are involved in our games and other activities.

(b) All health related matters referred to it by the County Committee and/or the County Management Committee.

Motion 46 (Europe): Proposes that one Central Council member from International Units be added to the GAA's Management Committee.

Motion 47 (Clare): Proposes that the GAA can authorise the playing of non-GAA sports at all county grounds and not only Croke Park.

Motion 48 (Armagh): Proposes the deletion  and abolition of the rule that allows players to play inter-county hurling for the county of their parents or for their county of residence, where that county is not competing for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. (Example: A player from Cork living in Monaghan can play for Monaghan. A player from Cork living in Kilkenny cannot play for them).

Motion 49 (Australia): Relates to Australasian Board transfers.

Motion 50 (Cork): Relates to age restrictions. Proposes that:

1) Players be 16 or over to play non-championship club games
2) Players be 17 or over to play championship club games
3) Players be 18 or over to play inter-county games.

It is proposed to become operative four weeks after the date of Annual Congress.

Motion 51 (Laois): Technical motion on the rules relating to a player's club championship or league status.

Motion 52 (Tyrone): This motion relates to the regulations around a county championship that has a league format in some aspect.

Motion 53 (Donegal): Very simply, this motion proposes the deletion of the rule in the Official Guide - Inter-County Players' Availability to Clubs. To read that rule, click here. It's on Page 89. That rule has very clear specifications for when inter-county players can be expected to fulfil club championship games prior to inter-county championship games.

Motion 54 (Wicklow): Relates to the section in the official guide - 'Provincial and All-Ireland Club'. This motion proposes that this be deleted (reasons for which are below). The relevant section is on page 91 of the official guide, which can be found here. This motion is indelibly linked with Motion 55, which proposes an alternative to the existing section.

Motion 55 (Clare): This motion proposes the creation of a new grade for a Provincial and All-Ireland Club Championship between senior and intermediate entitled 'Premier Intermediate'. The motion, therefore, proposes that there are now four club championship grades at provincial and All-Ireland level (not at county level), namely, senior, premier intermediate, intermediate and junior. Intermediate county champions from across the country would enter either the intermediate or premier intermediate championships according to the relative strength of their county intermediate championship.

Motion 56 (Roscommon): This motion from Roscommon proposes an alternative structure to the All-Ireland Football Championship, distinct to the the one proposed in Motion 2. In the event that Motion 2 is passed, all other motions with separate proposals for the All-Ireland Football Championship structure will become invalid.

The Roscommon motion proposes that, after the provincial championships are finished (by the first weekend of July, the proposal states), the competition will divide into two separate competitions, the Tier 1 competition and a Tier 2 competition. In Year 1 of the new proposal, Tier 1 (Sam Maguire) will feature the eight provincial finalists and the eight highest ranked teams in that year's Allianz Football League (not including provincial finalists where there is a crossover). From year 2 on, the winner of the previous year's Tier 2 competition will also be included in the Tier 1 competition, along with the seven highest ranked national league sides.

The format of the Tier 2 competition is proposed to feature the remaining 16 teams not eligible to compete or the Tier 1 competition.

Motion 57 (Carlow): This motion from Carlow also proposes an alternative structure to the Football Championship. This motion proposes that the provincial championships take place as normal, but then, that the All-Ireland series takes on a new seeded format based on the previous year's provincial championships.

The motion proposes four sets of seeds based on the previous year's provincial championship performances. The bottom two pots of seeds will be determined by that year's National Football League results. The All-Ireland series would then take place with Pot 3 and 4 seeds playing in Round 1, before meeting Pot 2 teams in Round 2 before the winners eventually face Pot 1 teams in Round 3. The remaining eight teams after those three rounds would advance to an open draw All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

Motion 58 (Antrim): This motion, from Antrim, relates to the Hurling Championship and proposes a method to allow for the participation of the Christy Ring Cup winners in the Leinster Championship Quarter-Finals in the same year as that county wins the Christy Ring Cup.

The motion also proposes a number of amendments to the All-Ireland Championship structure, namely the creation of two groups of four teams in the All-Ireland Qualifiers section.

Motion 59 (Leinster): This motion proposes a change to the Qualifier structure in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, namely that the beaten Leinster and Munster quarter-finalists and semi-finalists play two knock-out rounds, with the eventual winners advancing.

Motion 60 (Galway): This motion proposes a change to the structure of the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship. It proposes the creation of an All-Ireland round robin stage featuring beaten sides from Leinster and Munster, alongside Galway and the Ulster champions. It is proposed that the round robin section will be divided into two groups of three, with the top two teams in each group playing against each other, with the two winners joining the Munster and Leinster runners-up in the All-Ireland quarter-finals. The motion proposes that the format, if adopted, be adopted from 2016.

Motion 61 (Munster): This motion relates to the playing of minor provincial championships. It proposes that minor championships can start any time after the third week of March and must be started by May 1.

Motion 62 (Armagh): Technical motion relating to referee reports.

Motion 63 (Tyrone): Motion proposing the introduction of Hurling Development Officers to Executive Committees.

Motion 64 (Roscommon): Motion regarding the Officer for Irish Language and Culture on Executive Committees.

Motion 65 (Armagh): Motion regarding the end of the Club Financial Year.

***

[Rossfan]

Will anything be passed?
Good to see Cill Mhór getting a motion on the Clàr again

[redzone]

Motion 7 is bound to get passed

[5 Sams]

I was at our own county convention this year. It was tough enough going. It would take a special animal to sit through this stuff.

[DuffleKing]

What way have people's clubs voted on the mark proposal and how have counties been mandated to vote?

I assume delegates won't be making it up as they go?

[tippabu]

I hope the under 21 grade is left alone, change to june-august would kill the brilliant football development going on in the county

[Esmarelda]

Am I reading this right? Are motions 2 and 56 two different proposals to re-structure the inter-county football championship?

[tiempo]

Motion 5 - a joke
Motion 6 - enlightened

[DuffleKing]

Have any clubs or county boards discussed these proposals in advance?

[AZOffaly]

I hope the under 21 grade is left alone, change to june-august would kill the brilliant football development going on in the county

More than anything, I think what would kill us in Tipp is if they abolished altogether. I think we can adapt to U-20, and to summer football, especially if they are not allowed feature on senior panels.

[Rossfan]

Motion 5 - a joke
Motion 6 - enlightened

Expand on 5 please!!??

[tiempo]

Motion 5 - a joke
Motion 6 - enlightened

Expand on 5 please!!??

The motion includes some supplementary information on the U20 championship, in the event of the motion being passed. The competition is proposed to take place between June and August, with no replays. Drawn games will be decided by extra-time, and, in the event of that not providing a winner, by "the outcome of a sudden-death free-taking competition, the details of which shall be determined by the Central Council." The motion also proposes that any player on a team list submitted to an inter-county referee for a senior inter-county championship match in that season will not be eligible to compete in the U20 competition. The U21 grade in hurling, and at club level in both codes, will be entirely unaffected by this motion.

The motion is designed to fail. Standard toilet.

[Rossfan]

Very sensible restricting eligibility to prevent burn out.