Gaelic Football - Rules & Regulations discussion/clarification

[Rossfan]

I hope the FRC will be ignoring most of the (Ulster says no) comments here.

[J70]

So we need to get rid of all the current managers who want to win and replace them with a load of new people whose job it is to entertain the people in the crowd?

That really is a new sport we are inventing because no other sport I know is not all about winning.

Soccer will have to change a load of rules:
  -2 goals for a score from outside the box.
 - Must keep 2 forwards and 2 backs in each half at all times.
 - Keepers must hoof all kick outs into the other half like they used to.
 - Give out to the ref and the ball moved forward 50 metres.

Can you ever imagine them doing that to soccer to make it more entertaining? We want every game to be 5 4 from now in.......

In a nutshell, I don't know why people talk about 'neuturals' enjoying the game, like any sport you enjoy it when your team is playing. I want to see good players playing the game not just contestant 50/50s. Like even the kickouts, yeah I don't like the keeper taking ages but there's already a mechanism there, the ref can hop the ball if he's taking the piss. That was completely fine. They actually took away the short option and then put keeper under time pressure to try pick a pass, it's insane. If that's what they want they'd be as well just doing away with kickouts and having a throw in at the half way every time there's a score if they just want things contested ffs.

I don't know.

I was at the end of my tether with Donegal in 2022 in the final months of Declan Bonner's term. Nothing personal towards Declan (we played entertaining football and won two Ulsters under him prior to the lockdown), but the football became so slow and negative and "safe" and risk averse that it was like watching paint dry. For the first time in my life, I was more or less indifferent to winning that year's Ulster final, seeing a loss as perhaps of benefit in the long term as it would bring change. And I wasn't the only one who felt that way as the lopsided attendances against Derry and Armagh in Clones showed.

And it wasn't just Donegal. Teams holding possession for minutes at a time, with an extraordinarily talented footballer like Ciaran Kilkenny reduced to becoming notorious for being the Dublin conductor of that abominating football. Personally, outside of a compulsion (or maybe perceived obligation) to watch Donegal, I'd pretty much given up on the game that summer.

I came back to it in 2023 as we flailed about in disarray under Paddy Carr and regained a little pride under Aidan O'Rourke and Paddy Bradley. At least it wasn't soul destroying at that point watching good players (at least those who hadn't fled the scene) rendered automatons. And things improved for us under Jim last year, but was it entertaining from a neutral perspective?

I still haven't made up my mind yet on all of the changes, but I think we absolutely have to keep the three up/three back at the very least. It has definitely opened things up.

[Milltown Row2]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

[PMG1]

A question for any referee on here.
We had an u14 game at the weekend in a development league, mostly P7s on our team. We struggled getting kickouts aways with distance being a problem for young lads playing for the first time on a full sized pitch. The ref then informed us that provided the ball travels 15m and we have no-one in the arc when the ball is kicked, that we can receive the ball in the arc - in other words players can run into the arc as soon as the ball is kicked to receive the ball.
Is this correct? In our first game we were blew up any time a player touched the ball inside the arc from the kickout so its confusing.

In Tyrone and I presume for most other counties at U14 level the kickout rule is the same as last year, I.e. taken from the 21, all players must be outside the 13m arc and the defending team cannot touch the ball until it is outside the 20m arc

The rules I explained are the rules in Tyrone as I think that's where tbrick's lad plays. What do you mean by the 20m arc?

The arc that goes from the 20m line, the 13m semi circle from the centre of the 20m line.

[Saffron_sam20]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

[Milltown Row2]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

A few games in and I haven't given the 50m rule for dissent

[Saffron_sam20]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

A few games in and I haven't given the 50m rule for dissent

Yeah but you tend to use some common sense and understand players get frustrated. You moved many for the not handing the ball back? What you think on that one come summer lol

[Milltown Row2]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

A few games in and I haven't given the 50m rule for dissent

Yeah but you tend to use some common sense and understand players get frustrated. You moved many for the not handing the ball back? What you think on that one come summer lol

Haven't done it and the odd one that 'forgot' I explained come the league this will be different and result in 50m free!

No push backs from either teams when I explained the rules. I think I know the difference between someone acting the twat or genuine mistake, unfortunately the rules don't allow for that and the gurning from the sidelines would be enough to just follow it by the letter..

There are still some that I'm constantly unsure of completely and the 3v3 rule will be impossible at club games unless I see it, have already 'fallen' for the 'they have only 2 back' calls only for it to be incorrect and I've blown and stopped attacking play!

So I'm approaching it with the attitude of if I see it I'll call it only, I don't need reminders as I'll be watching play not always looking behind me

[Saffron_sam20]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

A few games in and I haven't given the 50m rule for dissent

Yeah but you tend to use some common sense and understand players get frustrated. You moved many for the not handing the ball back? What you think on that one come summer lol

Haven't done it and the odd one that 'forgot' I explained come the league this will be different and result in 50m free!

No push backs from either teams when I explained the rules. I think I know the difference between someone acting the twat or genuine mistake, unfortunately the rules don't allow for that and the gurning from the sidelines would be enough to just follow it by the letter..

There are still some that I'm constantly unsure of completely and the 3v3 rule will be impossible at club games unless I see it, have already 'fallen' for the 'they have only 2 back' calls only for it to be incorrect and I've blown and stopped attacking play!

So I'm approaching it with the attitude of if I see it I'll call it only, I don't need reminders as I'll be watching play not always looking behind me

Yeah fair play to you that is clearly the best way to approach it with a bit of common sense but as you say the rules don't give that leeway. I really don't know how you're going to do it in club. The 3v3 is going to be impossible. Good luck with it lol

[ONeill]

Settle an argument - should that point that was ruled out on 1:26:54 have been given? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMTbnFIDLM8

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

No. He was in the square before the ball, and as it was from a free kick, that is a square ball.

[on the sideline]

In general, the new rules have been a significant improvement on the turgid stuff we've been stuck with for the last decade. I'd scrap the forward mark, the handing the ball back to the opposition, the 2-player throw in, and the fly goalie. Definietly keep the 50 meter rule for dissent; the abuse refs get is unsustainable

Why not just book the player like in soccer? Players then walk the right rope for the rest of the game. In some cases managers will take them off rather than sent off. Much better than the moving the ball 50m

The ref should not get abuse and that is why the penalty is that harsh.  Technically, you could have numerous players giving the ref abuse and only receiving a yellow card, but the ref continues to get the abuse.  The FRC want respect for ref normalised with this rule change it would seem which is fair enough.

But sure ya could have 5 players abusing the ref after he's moved it and it's still only moved once? Same principal applies. A player booked is much worse for the team and a better deterrent.

You can also book players and have the 50 meter deterrent

Yes i get that, the point i was making is the op was stating if loads are giving off lot of times only one gets booked, I'm just pointing out the ball in certain circumstances can only be moved to the 13. I just think the soccer rule of if you're abusing the ref or obstruct the free kick or kick it away its a yellow card. It works well, we don't need the 50m

A few games in and I haven't given the 50m rule for dissent

Yeah but you tend to use some common sense and understand players get frustrated. You moved many for the not handing the ball back? What you think on that one come summer lol

Haven't done it and the odd one that 'forgot' I explained come the league this will be different and result in 50m free!

No push backs from either teams when I explained the rules. I think I know the difference between someone acting the twat or genuine mistake, unfortunately the rules don't allow for that and the gurning from the sidelines would be enough to just follow it by the letter..

There are still some that I'm constantly unsure of completely and the 3v3 rule will be impossible at club games unless I see it, have already 'fallen' for the 'they have only 2 back' calls only for it to be incorrect and I've blown and stopped attacking play!

So I'm approaching it with the attitude of if I see it I'll call it only, I don't need reminders as I'll be watching play not always looking behind me

Yeah fair play to you that is clearly the best way to approach it with a bit of common sense but as you say the rules don't give that leeway. I really don't know how you're going to do it in club. The 3v3 is going to be impossible. Good luck with it lol

See there's the problem. If you dont see it you can't blow it, but what if the opposition breach these 3 or 4 times a game and the ref doesn't see it. We breach it once, it's seen and there's a guaranteed point. We lose by 1. Understandably we are going to be livid, we should have had another 3 points.

That's on the rules. It shouldn't be a factor that determines the outcome of a game, but this will happen. This is my problem with the rules, they have to be applicable consistently. People will say it's the same as missing a foul, but it's really not. What one ref sees as a foul another may not, whereas this should be completely black and white - and it definitely isn't and can't be for just one man.

[Milltown Row2]

So what's the answer?

[blewuporstuffed]

If the player breaking the 3 up rule isn't materially affecting the play (getting on the ball, putting in tackle marking a man that would otherwise be available) , then does it really matter? If he is , then the ref will see it and blow it. I don't expect refs to catch every single time a player wrongly sets foot over the line.

[Smokin Joe]

If the player breaking the 3 up rule isn't materially affecting the play (getting on the ball, putting in tackle marking a man that would otherwise be available) , then does it really matter? If he is , then the ref will see it and blow it. I don't expect refs to catch every single time a player wrongly sets foot over the line.

I don't think so.  There is now a 4m tolerance where there is no free if they aren't interfering with play.  My view is that I think the linesmen will now talk to the players when they step over the line to get back into their proper half.  I expect the 3 up breaches to almost be a thing of the past now, presuming the tweaks get passed tonight.