Jim Gavin’s Football Review Committee (FRC) is considering introducing several amendments to the football rules, one of which is a new ‘result of the day’ concept. This proposal could be a substitute for both the penalty shootout and additional time.
The FRC’s chair updated journalists on Tuesday morning at Croke Park, showing progress in their pursuit to enhance the football experience for players and audiences alike. As of now, the aggressive timeline unveiled in June is still en route to bring forward suggestions for rule alterations to a distinctive congress scheduled for November 30th.
All successful rule amendments will roll out across all levels of the sport, covering next year’s league and championship. After the conclusion of the intercounty season in 2025, there will be a conclusive review aimed at implementing any other refinements by 2026. After this stage, the committee will disband.
It was understood that certain prospective changes, such as clarifying what constitutes a tackle, would only enter discussions next year.
Gavin’s speech addressed ’emerging themes’, indicating potential measures that are being considered to address issues within the game. These are the result of painstaking deliberation, with 31 meetings of the committee – a group comprised of ex-players and managers.
There have also been five simulated games intended to test potential changes before the suggested amendments are submitted to congress. A proposed ‘overtime showdown’ concept was mentioned, providing an in-play alternative to penalties. It allows the first scoring team in extra time the chance to level the scores. Failing that, and should the ball go out of play, the game concludes. If successful, it’s then a sudden-death scenario.
Modifications to several concepts are currently under review. The one-on-one throw-in initiation of a half is being considered, with the non-active centre field players positioned just beyond the pitch on either side of the midline, the introduction of which, is also under scrutiny.
These changes stem from initial proposals that the additional centre players stand outside the 45m line. Exhibition games suggested that the players tend to engage in physical contact as the ball is throw into play.
The penalty for some high tackles has been revised following advice from the Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee. While the transgressions were previously deemed deserving of a yellow card in the June update, it is now stipulated that direct “head-to-head contact” results in an immediate red card.
Despite these new proposals, the core themes from the original plans three months ago remain consistent. Two of the boldest changes include the requirement for each team to maintain three players within their respective ’65’ and the introduction of a two-point score for a shot successfully made over the goal bar from outside the 40m semi-circle (this space extends from the midpoint of the goal line and cuts back to the 20m line).
Scores made within the arc or inside the 20m line will maintain their one-point value, and it is the view of the FRC that a 45m kick, as it stands, will still equate to 0-1. A goal will now constitute four points.
The need for both teams to have three non-goalkeeper players inside the 65m line will be required. Goalkeepers will remain permissible to move out of the goal, but can only receive a pass when within their own ‘square’ or if they cross the halfway line.
The forward mark will persist, but a player will be allowed to press on until no advantage is made and then return for the original mark. Applying a similar approach to rugby, the advantage rule will enable play to continue until no advantage is gained and then revert back to the original free play, however, the ‘five seconds’ rule will not be in place.
The introduction of a countdown clock is under consideration which would be overseen by a fifth official following the referee’s signal, in the same way as women’s football. Linesmen, or ‘line umpires’, will be granted the authority to report foul play to the referee’s attention instantaneously and not have to wait for the next break in play.
The disappearing foam could potentially be implemented as a strategy to prevent players from surreptitiously gaining extra metres during free kicks within the 65m line. The idea of introducing a fifth black card penalty, for a strategic infringement of blocking a player from participating in the match, is gathering attention. The current rule addressing “participation in brawls” is under review; the interpretation frequently exploited by lawyers at the Disputes Resolution Committee. The new definition will describe it as joining the conflict but not rescuing a teammate from the disturbance. The final exhibition matches are set to take place on the 18th and 19th of October in Croke Park, where teams from different provinces will challenge each other with the newly suggested amendments in place.
Members of the FRC include Jim Gavin from Dublin (chairman), Séamus Kenny from Meath (secretary) and representatives from other areas: Colm Collins (Clare), Patrick Doherty (Westmeath), Éamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry), Shane Flanagan (Kildare), James Horan (Mayo), Alec McQuillan (Antrim), Michael Meaney (Carlow), Michael Murphy (Donegal), Colm Nally (Louth), Malachy O’Rourke (Fermanagh).