Duffy says congress will be called on to make some momentous decisions
Undo the damage
“That sanctions are later imposed in accordance with our rules does nothing to undo the damage that has been done – the unflattering image of the association and its members has gained ground as a consequence of stupid and undisciplined behaviour.
“I would ask team managers, coaches and selectors to see the reduction in the number of people present on the sideline as a major initiative to improve discipline within the association, and to accept any perceived inconvenience that the new regulations may entail as a small price to pay towards the bigger prize of altering a culture that seriously damages our association
“Managers have to start asking what is good for the whole association and stop looking at the change in regulation and how it might affect them on a match-day basis. The effects are minimal. As I state (in the report), it’s the long-term attitude of the association towards discipline and trying to improve the culture as it currently exists . . .
“It’s the decision of Central Council, it was debated at two meetings. It was very clear at the last Central Council meeting that they wanted to do this and they believed it was in the interests of the association.”
Duffy said that he didn’t accept that restricting medical personnel on the sideline was a problem. “You’ve a choice of putting in one medical person, a physio or a doctor. I’ve been at six or seven intercounty games this year and there hasn’t been the slightest problem. In most games a physio or doctor has been sitting a few rows back from the sideline at the end of a row. He gets out of his seat, goes down to the pitch. I don’t see a problem.”
Director's cuts Other main points from Duffy's report
On International Rules
“The attendances this October, as well as the continued desire of our top players to commit to the game, will be instructive. The lack of a positive response from players or spectators in October will raise a serious doubt about the future of the competition.
“As for the AFL, there appears to be a desire on their behalf to maintain the series. However, the strength of the team that travels to Ireland in 2013 and the engagement of the Australian public with the 2014 series will ultimately determine whether the game has a future, or not.”
On verbal ab use
“In general terms, such behaviour goes profoundly against the spirit of sport; more specifically, it is fundamentally at odds with the principles of our Respect Initiative, which promotes the rights, dignity and worth of each person regardless of ability, age, cultural or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
“It would be convenient to convince oneself that ‘sledging’ is the norm in many sports and to accept that the aspiration of keeping our games free of such behaviour is idealistic and unachievable. Such responses will ill-serve the values and image of the GAA.”
