GAA clarify aspects of new rules relating to 'mark'

THE GAA have clarified aspects of the new experimental playing rules in football, which are set to be implemented for the first time this weekend in the various provincial competitions.

The protocol for the implementation of the proposed experimental rule relating to fielding directly from a kick-out was confirmed as follows.

“A free kick shall be awarded to a player who catches the ball from a kick-out between the two 45-metre lines. This free kick must be taken by the player who catches the ball.

“Exception: The kick may be taken by another member of the player’s team if the player who catches the ball is injured prior to the free kick being taken.”

In practical terms, this means that while the free kick can be awarded, the referee, as with any other foul, “may allow play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage” of the player who catches the ball. “Once he allows play to continue, he may not subsequently award a free.”

It was also noted that there is an experimental adjustment being made to the advantage rule, which has been extended to include the following: “He (the referee) shall signal that advantage is being played by means of a raised and extended arm.”

The purpose of this proposed amendment is to provide a standardised, common signal which will be used by all referees, and which will be visible to and understood by both spectators and players.