Harte fears new square-ball rule could cause more harm

TYRONE FOOTBALL: MICKEY HARTE fears the new square-ball rule could spark greater controversies than those it was designed to eradicate.

The Tyrone boss is looking ahead to the championship with trepidation over the decision to alter the rule in favour of the attacking player, who will be able to enter the small square before the ball arrives.

“I think it’s possible that there could be more controversy. People talk about wanting a fast, free-flowing, open game, instead of pile-ups out around the middle of the field,” he said. “But if you have pile-ups in the square, I think that’s not any prettier, in fact it’s not even as good looking as where there’s more space for a crowd of people to be.

“It could end up being something we don’t want it to be, but that’s something we’ll have to assess as time goes on, and decide if that is happening, that it’s something that needs to be reviewed.

Harte warned that referees will be faced with a greater number of difficult decisions this summer as they endeavour to come to terms with a change in the playing rules which could have a massive impact on this summer’s action.

“I think this will not remove all the headaches of the square-ball situation, because there’s going to be a lot of activity in the small square, where there’s going to have to be decisions made over whether it’s a penalty or a free out, which wouldn’t have been the case in the past, because it was an easy get-out clause for the referee.

“If it’s in there, blow the whistle and give a free out, and most people accept that. So it isn’t the big overall solution that some might have us believe that it is.”

Meanwhile, Justin McMahon has recovered from injury, and is in line to face Armagh in the Ulster Championship on June 10th. The former All Star full back has been struggling with a hamstring injury, and missed the NFL Division Two final against Kildare.

“It is unfortunate that he missed the game time that he did. We would prefer that he was there, building up his strength and fitness and match fitness again.I think with the time that we have to get ready for Armagh now, I think he should be okay, should be ready to go at that time,” said Harte.

Tyrone have an otherwise fully fit squad, but Davy Harte, who missed the league campaign, is struggling. “He had an operation, and he’s behind in terms of fitness and that’s difficult for him, to come back from the injury that he has had and catch up,” Harte added.