FRC chief Jim Gavin says “adjustments” to football’s rule changes are on the way – but refused to reveal what they are.
Gavin’s star-studded committee met on Monday night for the 50th time since it was formed last year to analyse the impact of the enhancements after five rounds of the NFL.
The new rules have been welcomed overall, but some have come under fire – such as the 20-second limit on kick-outs, the clock and hooter system, and the “12 v 11” scenario that is created when goalkeepers enter the opposition half.
Two-point frees has also been deemed too heavy a punishment for 3v3 infractions, and teams who suffer black or red cards only having to keep two players in the opposition half has been widely deemed unfair.
Gavin will make the FRC’s recommendations to the GAA’s standing committee on playing rules, who in turn will report to Central Council – which will meet on Thursday to vote on the proposals.
If passed, any tweaks are likely to be introduced for the start of the SFC on the weekend of April 5/6.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Gavin said: “It was a very good meeting last night, the 50th meeting for the Football Review Committee.
“We’ve a three stage process, reporting to the Standing Committee on Playing Rules with recommendations.
“They make recommendations then to the Coiste Bainistí, which is the managing committee, chaired by an tUachtaráin Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns.
“They will consider that, and they will make motions towards Central Council, who meet next Thursday to vote on any proposals, if any, that are made.
“They’re adjustments and we’ve made some recommendations for some adjustments.”
Meath gaffer Robbie Brennan has slammed the new rules, and says they are “not Gaelic Football.”
Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney has aired his dismay at the changes around kick-outs in particular, while Jim McGuinness labelled the law allowing teams with red or black cards to only have two players up as “farcical.”
Gavin insists the FRC are taking all feedback on board, and insists they are listening to all opinions – good or bad.
He said: “In general, people like what they see. Yes, we’ve heard inter-county managers, they represent two per cent of our games in the Association, but they are a very, very important stakeholder.
“They get a shop window on 26 weeks of the year so it is very important to listen to them. We also listen to the clubs.
https://twitter.com/RTEgaa/status/1896852592262631567
“I was out in St Anne’s Park in Clontarf at the weekend at a minor hurling game.
“On the pitch next to me Olaf’s were playing Naomh Barrog in an U15 game, I spoke to the referee and both managers, it was going well with them.
“Yes, they had feedback for me, things they’d like to see changed. We’ve listened to all of that.
“If the Standing Committee on Playing Rules and the Coiste Bainistí push those recommendations on, people will see that we’ve listened.
“We welcome all feedback. Any change of management you have, a bell curve, you’ve people who’re leading it, who’re innovators, and you’ve people who are laggards.
“We can already see those teams, who are thriving in this particular space, but we take all feedback on board.
“We’ve been asked to make the game exciting, to create memorable moments, entertainment for both players and spectators, that is our north star.
“That is our guiding light, every decision we’ve made over the last 12 months and indeed last night is all based and speaks to that vision.”
