Reducing cynical play key part of football review.

(14)The FRC proposes, for implementation in 2014, that:

The Mark should be introduced for any catch from a kick-out where the ball is caught cleanly on or past the 45 metre line;

The referee will blow his whistle to signify the player has caught the ball cleanly and earned the Mark;

The player has the option to play on immediately or if he intends to avail of the Mark he must indicate this to the referee;

If he elects to take the Mark he must then kick the ball from his hands;

Once he indicates he is taking the Mark, the opposition must retreat 10 metres to allow the player space to take the kick;

If an opposition player deliberately blocks or attempts to block the kick within 10 metres, or if an opposition player impedes the player while he is taking the kick the referee will penalise the opposition and bring the ball forward 30 metres;

Once the player indicates he is taking the Mark the Referee will allow up to 5 seconds for the player to take the kick;

If the player delays longer than 5 seconds the referee will cancel the Mark and throw the ball up between 2 players;

If the player gets injured in the process of taking the Mark, and is unable to take the kick, his nearest teammate may take the kick but cannot score directly from the kick.

(15)The FRC proposes that in addition to the existing rules on picking up the ball, a clean pick-up should be permitted, subject to the player being in an upright position, with at least one foot on the ground, while making the pick-up. Implementation date: 2014.

(16)The FRC proposes the amendment of rule 3.1 to allow a point to be scored with the open hand as well as the fist, with implementation in 2013.

(17)The FRC proposes that a public time clock be introduced in Croke Park and in all grounds used for Provincial and All-Ireland series games in 2013 and rolled out thereafter as practicable. The clock should be stopped for injuries, with the clock stopped and re-started as indicated visibly by the referee and also audibly where possible (if wired up) to the official in charge of the clock. When the game time has elapsed this would be signalled by a hooter, with any ball in flight allowed to complete its journey, and if that resulted in a score, that score would stand.

(18)The FRC proposes that the duration of the adult club game be changed from 60 minutes to 70 minutes for all adult club competitions. It is believed this time period is more in keeping with the fitness level of the modern day adult club players. Implementation date: 2014.

The FRC also issued four considerations as part of its report. They are:

(1)The FRC is not recommending any limit to the number of hand-passes but as stated earlier, we believe this is one aspect of the game that should be carefully monitored.

(2)The FRC concluded that it is not necessary to seek to give additional reward to long-range points because of other proposed changes to make the game more positive. The FRC had also asked in the survey whether a free kick put over the bar should attract two points. This was strongly rejected by respondents so the FRC is not recommending it.

(3)The FRC is not proposing the introduction of a tap-and-go option.

(4)The FRC is not proposing the mandatory introduction of 13-a-side games.