The experimental rules trialled in the National Football and Hurling leagues this year will not be adopted on a permanent basis, after the motion failed to secure two thirds of the vote at the GAA’s Annual Congress in Cork today.
The vote of 177 for and 100 against meant the motion was narrowly defeated. Had there been just an eight-vote swing (185 to 92) the rules would have been adopted permanently, against the wishes of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).
The rules had support from influential counties such as Cork, Meath, Dublin, Wexford and Mayo, while those known to be in the “no” camp were Monaghan, Donegal and Tyrone.
A GPA poll found 82 per cent of intercounty players were against the continuation of the rules, which have been on trial since the start of the season, and see any player issued with a yellow-card forced to leave the field, but being replaced by a substitute.
A statement from the GPA on Tuesday, said: “The GPA has consulted with its members regarding the new rules being applied to football and hurling and the vote for their continuation at GAA Congress next weekend.
“The majority of the respondents (82 per cent) were opposed to the continuation of the rules. In light of this result, we are urging all county boards to consult with their county squads if they have not done so already, before finalising their vote for congress.”
The statement then added that following the poll, the GPA consulted widely with players to ascertain their reservations regarding the new rules: “Consistency in application was highlighted as the most common problem players had, with the fear of an unwarranted dismissal in a championship game also being raised as a serious concern.
“While the GPA understands the difficulties in addressing disciplinary issues within the games and acknowledges the significant efforts made by administrators in this regard, this poll clearly outlines the level of dissatisfaction among the playing body with the new rules.”
Later today, Christy Cooney will be inaugurated as the association’s new president, taking over from Nickey Brennan.