Enhanced Rules

[David McKeown]

From the Examiner

"Gaelic football championship attendances jumped by 20% year-on-year, according to the Football Review Committee's (FRC) final report.

As Central Council are to hear on Saturday that the costs of running the FRC were approximately €300,000, over 1,000,000 people (1.029 million) went to the provincial and All-Ireland matches in 2025 when the new rules were operative compared to 858,459 in 2024, a difference of 171,504.

That followed a 25% jump in recorded National Football League attendances this season from 2024. A total of 510,697 adults went to league fixtures, up 131,520 from 2024.

The GAA's financial accounts are expected to show close to €20m was reaped in Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cup gate receipts after €18.279m was earned in 2024. They will also demonstrate over €5m was accrued from the NFL this year. The year previous, the figure was €4.628m.

The drive in league gate receipts owed to the interest and attractiveness of the rules as well as the decision to charge juveniles (U16s) €5 into games this year when they were previously allowed in for free. Almost 100,000 (97,858) juveniles attended football's secondary competition.

In June, GAA president Jarlath Burns revealed that attendances for the group stages of the All-Ireland SFC were up 21% on 2024. Anecdotally, several county boards are reported larger attendances at recent football championship games putting them down to the experimental rules, which could be made permanent at next month's Special Congress."

Someone is going to have to explain the maths for me here.

Attendances at the national league increased 25% yet income only increased by about half a million nearly all of which can be accounted for by the decision to charge under 16's. Something is not quite adding up there.

[From the Bunker]

Regarding the backourt rule what would the craic be if the ball is kicked out past the halfway line and it's broken back into the teams own half? Would seem a bit harsh to punish that

It'd be like the volleyed hand pass goal. Or the back pass in soccer.

[AustinPowers]

Regarding the backourt rule what would the craic be if the ball is kicked out past the halfway line and it's broken back into the teams own half? Would seem a bit harsh to punish that

Don't  worry. Jim has  everything under control

[Wildweasel74]

Problem with rules it takes time for general supporters watching an odd game to get used to them. Keeping adding rules each year will just turn people of games. Is the drag down on a goal scoring opportunity still apply? Haven't seen it this Yr?

[David McKeown]

Problem with rules it takes time for general supporters watchingban odd game to get used to them. Keeping adding rules each year will just turn people of games. Is the drag down on a goal scoring opportunity still apply? Haven't seen it this Yr?

I thought it didn't but the latest FRC proposal was to add it back in

[Rossfan]

Its getting worse🙄.

Don't bring in new rules because thick apes who go to 3 games a year can't keep up and will stop going to games!!!

[Wildweasel74]

What other sport brings in constant rules changes every year? Name 1 sport?. 3 games,is about Roscommon average stay in the championship anyway!

[thebigfullforward]

Its getting worse🙄.

Don't bring in new rules because thick apes who go to 3 games a year can't keep up and will stop going to games!!!

Dad has been going to games all his life. 15 league games every year. The odd neutral league game if it's on a different day. Every senior Championship game he can get to and a few minor games too. Plus whatever football is on the tele. Can't fully understand the new rules.

It isn't just people going to 1 or 2 county games a year and that's it. It's also older people who go to every club league game, Championship game or whatever that can't get to grips with them. Not sure how many times I've had to explain the rules to various older people

[Captain Obvious]

What other sport brings in constant rules changes every year? Name 1 sport?. 3 games,is about Roscommon average stay in the championship anyway!

Can't think of any sport that changes as much. This year rules changes got hyped to the heavens fronted by the "saviour" himself Jim Gavin and the national media did their bit.  The novelty factor meant It increased crowds at a matches as people wanted to see what all this hype was about.

League was the usually mixed bag with good,average and poor games.  Division two decided to embrace scoring over any defending the most.

The much criticized provincial championships that the powers to be will eventually change it to lose all importance had a good,competitive Ulster,Connacht and Leinster finals. The Munster final in all but name was played in the semi final, another good game that whereby Kerry needed extra time to overcome Cork.

The group format had plenty of good games however that format is gone now because of a lack of "jeopardy" and another example of the constant changes HQ make.

One thing I don't see getting much if any mention in that long FRC report was how the Knock out All-Ireland series played out.  That was the stage of the championship whereby any new rules are to be judged fully.

Those matches was mainly bland or non competitive contests.  I don't see anything in the planned adjustments that will address that situation and prevent the same from happening in 2026.

[Truthsayer]

Well done to Jim Gavin and his team for saving Gaelic Football. Club Championship is now also a joy to behold after Jimmy McGuinness and Mickey Harte and a band of copycats tried to destroy it. All hail Jim 🙌 🙏

[AustinPowers]

What other sport brings in constant rules changes every year? Name 1 sport?. 3 games,is about Roscommon average stay in the championship anyway!

Can't think of any sport that changes as much. This year rules changes got hyped to the heavens fronted by the "saviour" himself Jim Gavin and the national media did their bit.  The novelty factor meant It increased crowds at a matches as people wanted to see what all this hype was about.

League was the usually mixed bag with good,average and poor games.  Division two decided to embrace scoring over any defending the most.

The much criticized provincial championships that the powers to be will eventually change it to lose all importance had a good,competitive Ulster,Connacht and Leinster finals. The Munster final in all but name was played in the semi final, another good game that whereby Kerry needed extra time to overcome Cork.

The group format had plenty of good games however that format is gone now because of a lack of "jeopardy" and another example of the constant changes HQ make.

One thing I don't see getting much if any mention in that long FRC report was how the Knock out All-Ireland series played out.  That was the stage of the championship whereby any new rules are to be judged fully.

Those matches was mainly bland or non competitive contests.  I don't see anything in the planned adjustments that will address that situation and prevent the same from happening in 2026.

Hard to disagree with  any of that, CO.

[From the Bunker]

Well done to Jim Gavin and his team for saving Gaelic Football. Club Championship is now also a joy to behold after Jimmy McGuinness and Mickey Harte and a band of copycats tried to destroy it. All hail Jim 🙌 🙏

Jim Galvin for president!    

[David McKeown]

It seems the new rules and the lack of knowledge of them is having a detrimental impact on a lot of games at this time of year. The league decider in Fermanagh, the championship match in Mayo even a championship match I was at today.

I just find it strange that there are plenty who are quick to hail the new rules but say very little about the poor games that are still quite common and say nothing about the devastating impact that incorrect implementation of the rules can have on teams seasons.

[Saffron_sam20]

It seems the new rules and the lack of knowledge of them is having a detrimental impact on a lot of games at this time of year. The league decider in Fermanagh, the championship match in Mayo even a championship match I was at today.

I just find it strange that there are plenty who are quick to hail the new rules but say very little about the poor games that are still quite common and say nothing about the devastating impact that incorrect implementation of the rules can have on teams seasons.

The 2pt one is the biggest one causing problems, ones given that shouldn't and not given when should. I worry that with Fermanagh ordering he replay that the precedent has been set. Given how easily club players are pinging them over be better just binning the 2pter. The 3 up is creating more space and chances, no need for the 2pter

[Ball Hopper]

Move 2pointers to outside 45 (no arc needed). Linesmen  to stand on the 45 and monitor 3up.  Referee to "help" with close line ball decisions.