For an association that traditionally treads very slowly when it comes to change, the last few weeks have been a virtual whirlwind for the GAA as the new playing rules in Gaelic football have created much debate and controversy. Since they were introduced in late January, players, managers and supporters have been at odds over the impact of the changes, which were brought about by a general acceptance that football was in decline and there was an urgent need to address fundamental flaws.
These long-standing defects were seen as leading to boring, more defence oriented matches. This was in stark contrast to the hugely positive perception of hurling, a game which has flourished in recent years with a championship structure that has delivered wonderful games.
The Football Review Committee, under the chairmanship of former Dublin manager Jim Gavin, was given a wide-ranging remit by the GAA to address the issues that were seen as obstacles to producing a fast-flowing sport that rewarded more attacking play and penalised negativity.
The committee didn’t shirk from its task. It came forward with a broad ranges of proposals – from two-point scores kicked from a certain distance, to addressing dissent, to the introduction of a full-time hooter. A special congress of the GAA gave overwhelming approval to the FRC’s changes last November and they came into effect at the start of the national league campaign.
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Like all significant change, there has been resistance. Some county managers have voiced concerns over the increased demands on players and the scale of the modifications referees have been forced to absorb. But supporters have welcomed the new rules which have allowed more skilful players to thrive and given teams a chance to recover from seemingly hopeless deficits.
The FRC has now tweaked some of the more contentious changes, allowing teams to get used to them before the All Ireland championship starts next month. The die is cast. Transformative change is required for football to regain its stature as a vital pillar of GAA sports.
