Gaelic Players Association chief executive Dessie Farrell believes that a closer working relationship between his organisation and the GAA could help solve disputes such as the ongoing one in Cork.
Speaking at tonight's GPA awards at the CityWest Hotel in Saggart, the former Dublin footballer called on the governing body to push forward their official recognition of the players' organisation so that both sides can work together on key issues through "a joint disputes resolution mechanism."
In his speech, Farrell said: "The time has come for the GAA to grasp the opportunity to move relations with players on to a new level. As we have witnessed this year, there has been no let-up in the number of disputes between players and officials.
"However, the problems elsewhere will continue unless we establish proper structures and procedures to address the absence of trust between player and official. This can only be achieved through official recognition for the GPA.
"Astonishingly, given everything that has occurred to date, given the increasing difficulties emerging between county squads and officials and the threat of a national strike last year - a recent GAA briefing on their strategy for the future made no mention of the GPA or the relationship with county players.
"No mention of the players on whose backs the multi-million euro deals are struck; no mention the players on whose backs the television contracts are signed; no mention the players on whose backs the very funding which breathes life into the GAA is generated. No mention of the players at all.
"And when this startling omission was pointed out to the GAA, their response was, quite frankly, feeble.
"This was hugely disappointing but probably indicative of where things are at; nine years down the road and the attitude really hasn't changed.
"If the player is not central to the future of the GAA then what is the organisation about? Is it now the case of the more the GAA changes, the more it stays the same? Do they value the contribution of the inter-county? Do they respect what he does do?"
Farrell went on to ask the GAA to use next year's 125th anniversary of its formation to move the process of formal recognition one.
He said: "Next year while we celebrate a decade in existence, the GAA will celebrate its 125th birthday. New president Christy Cooney will formally take his position. There will be much celebrating with no shortage of pomp and circumstance.
"Amidst all these celebrations, we may have a situation that we, as players, are still not formally recognised. If this is the case it will be a sad indictment on our administrators. We cannot allow this to happen.
"We will do our level best to negotiate a comprehensive deal on behalf of our players but it will be a fair deal for all concerned.
"The GAA can view us as allies or opponents. As partners who can play a dynamic role in the future prosperity of the organisation or as enemy who must be overcome. Whatever category they wish to position us, in whatever box they choose to place us, whichever way they decide to play us, rest assured we will live up to that billing, we will do it justice.
"So the question I put to the GAA tonight is: Do we move forward in partnership or in opposition, as team-mates or opponents, as friend or foe?
"As players we know what we want, now is the time for the GAA to decide what it wants."
Tonight's awards followed an AGM which saw Tyrone's Seán Cavanagh take over the role of secretary from Kieran McGeeney. President Brian Whelahan and chairman Dónal Óg Cusack were both returned to office.
The following motions were passed:
1. That the GPA, through the Official Recognition talks process, seeks to establish with the GAA, a joint disputes resolution mechanism to address issues of conflict involving inter-county squads within individual counties.
2. That, in the absence of an Official Recognition Agreement with the GAA, the GPA National Executive Committee will take all necessary and reasonable steps to safeguard the financial security of the Gaelic Players Association.
3. That the GPA commences the establishment of its new player welfare strategy with immediate effect. This strategy will include key areas such as Health and Well-being services, Career Development programmes, Educational services, Financial Planning services, Legal services and Information services.
4. That all GPA members agreed to make themselves available, subject to the provision of reasonable notice, on one occasion per year to assist the GPA with its charity and commercial programmes.
5. That the GPA calls on the GAA to enhance the current injury scheme for inter-county players in advance of the 2009 National League.
6. That the GPA establishes a scheme to encourage a culture of good discipline, behaviour and fair play at the earliest possible age within our games. The GPA will use players as ambassadors in the promotion of this aim.