GAA delegates vote on rule changes
Delegates to GAA Congress have voted on the remainder of the experimental playing rules this morning at Newcastle, Co Down.
There was little debate on the rules this morning, with the bulk of those examined in relation to hurling, after Congress gained a head start last night with 24 motions discussed.
Ard Chomhairle's proposal to have the square-ball changed in hurling were shot down, and as a result players will be unable to enter the square after the ball is hit.
The rule was one of those trialled during the GAA's Accident Tournaments and the Allianz National Hurling League.
Last night, delegates rejected the introduction of a similar rule in Gaelic football.
Meanwhile the handpass in hurling is now clearly defined, and now reads as follows: "The ball must be released and struck with a definite striking action."
A proposal for both hurling and football, that when the game is restarted by throwing in the ball within 13 metres of the sideline - the throw-in will now be given 13 metres from the sideline opposite where the fouls occur.
The shoulder charge is now correctly defined, in order to protect a player when they are exposed to a tackle.
The rule now defines the foul as 'shoulder to shoulder' rather than 'side to side'.
GAA President Christy Cooney has urged all counties to be patient with the implementation of these rules over the next five years.
“I would appeal to Congress and to counties to give the changes to the playing rules every opportunity.”
