Rules Shambles

[Hardy]

Just to repeat what I said, for clarity:

I don't think we can or should go back to the 14 individual contests but I'm saying the rules should favour tactics that preserve the essence of the sport. That essence for me includes long accurate kicking and high catching.



I too favour accurate fast ball into the forwards and intelligent movement by the forwards. I'm arguing for a rebalancing that tilts things back towards more kicking and less running and handpassing. I agree with you Puck that often the necessity for high catching is due to bad passing, but I think the experiment with the mark is worth it as an attempt to add value to the high catch.

[Zulu]

I understand that Hardy but I think there is a complete over-reaction to hand passing in the modern game and these statistics that are frequently highlighted are a complete nonsense. Like I said in my previous post we shouldn't lurch from one rule change to the other without any real longterm and well researched idea of what we want. In addition we should all have an opportunity to effect any future changes and not simply committies made up by career administrators and the latest IC media darlings. I also think that football is a game that lends itself to tactical innovation and there is no reason why a kicking style of game won't come back into fashion. Indeed just looking at some of the recent national league highlights it appears clear that kicking is being favoured by many teams.

[guevara]

I think a lot of the confusion at the minute is around what the GAA & their Refs are determining is a legitimate hand pass!
In Newry last Saturday night the referee blew the game 6/7 times for what was deemed an illegal pass.
Now if this is a Senior County game what the hell are club games going to be like were the standard wont be of the same quality!
What was so wrong with the hand pass as it was?
The GAA continually let themselves down in the application of their rules & how they are then conveyed to referees & players/managers.
The same areas come up time & time again around rules like......
Why will some refs allow a player to pick up a rolling ball whereas others deem this a foul?
Why do some refs allow an open hand pass as long as the hand holding the ball remains stationary while others blow?
What is the correct interpretation of the square ball rule?
What is acceptable in terms of tackling?
What is the case for 2/3 man tackles?
What is the correct ruling on a guy getting up from the ground while being swarmed?

I believe a lot of this could be cleared up in one clean sweep by issuing clear instructions.
Run seminars between Senior Refs & County Managers & County Board Representatives and then its the County Boards job to ensure that clubs are aware of the defined rules.
Because at the minute it seems like the GAA have been heavily influenced by the whole Intenational Rules experience & are going mad trying to revamp the rules, when there is clearly a need to define what exactly the bloody rule is in the first place!

[blewuporstuffed]

I think a lot of the confusion at the minute is around what the GAA & their Refs are determining is a legitimate hand pass!
In Newry last Saturday night the referee blew the game 6/7 times for what was deemed an illegal pass.
Now if this is a Senior County game what the hell are club games going to be like were the standard wont be of the same quality!
What was so wrong with the hand pass as it was?
The GAA continually let themselves down in the application of their rules & how they are then conveyed to referees & players/managers.
The same areas come up time & time again around rules like......
Why will some refs allow a player to pick up a rolling ball whereas others deem this a foul?
Why do some refs allow an open hand pass as long as the hand holding the ball remains stationary while others blow?
What is the correct interpretation of the square ball rule?
What is acceptable in terms of tackling?
What is the case for 2/3 man tackles?
What is the correct ruling on a guy getting up from the ground while being swarmed?

I believe a lot of this could be cleared up in one clean sweep by issuing clear instructions.
Run seminars between Senior Refs & County Managers & County Board Representatives and then its the County Boards job to ensure that clubs are aware of the defined rules.
Because at the minute it seems like the GAA have been heavily influenced by the whole Intenational Rules experience & are going mad trying to revamp the rules, when there is clearly a need to define what exactly the bloody rule is in the first place!

all good questions

[supersarsfields]

I'd agree about the fact that they need to sit down and decide what they want and stick with it. How many times has the hand pass rule been amended? My view on it is that as long as there is a clear striking of the ball (open hand or closed fist) then allow play to go on. It seems to me that alot of the changes are small technical changes that are hard to establish and make it harder on the ref. Not to mention more frees and breaks in the game that no one wants to see.

[samwin08]

This shambles must be stopped. If the GAA wish to change the rules , then begin at school level and phase in rules to Senior gradually over 5-10 years. Do not ask an old dog to learn new tricks.
The  final stages of the All Ireland Club competitions were played under the  infuence of 'experimental  rules' .eg. Hand pass and card system. This was most unfair to the competing teams and the competition.
It is time headquarters listened to the fans, not only on this , but also on the scandolous admission prices to National League, Mc Kenna Cup and U-21 competitions.
I urge all attending this weeks County U 21 matches to attend the venue, but refuse to go in side until admission prices are reduced.Let them play the matches with the 'freebies' attending and no side shall be disadvantaged as all supporters will be outside. Any one else gonna protest???