THE Football Review Committee are seeking to axe the 12-v-11 scenarios which have caused much debate since the introduction of the game’s new rules.
The group, led by Jim Gavin, has recommended six modest adjustments to be voted on by the GAA’s Central Council on Monday.
But the most significant relates to the three-up rule, which will continue to require at least three players remaining in the opposing half.
However, should the changes be approved, it will be necessary for teams to keep four players in their own half – which can include the goalkeeper.
The proposed modification comes on the back of criticism of the scope for a keeper to come forward and give his side a numerical advantage beyond the halfway line.
Keepers will still be allowed to join the play in opposition territory once four team-mates stay back in their own half.
There is to be an easing of the enforcement of the rule in the case of players who ‘unintentionally’ cause a breach.
And there would be no punishment for players who are within four metres of the halfway line, are not gaining an advantage, or who are not interfering with play or an opponent.
The FRC are also proposing that a player who takes a kick-out mark can play on immediately without being challenged by an opponent for four metres.
If he is challenged within the four metres, a free will be advanced 50 metres from where the offence was committed.
But other divisive rules – such as the two-point free, handing back the ball to an opponent after committing a foul, and kick-outs being required to cross the 40-metre arc – have not been amended.
If given the green light, the changes will be implemented for the remainder of the National League.
