Changes afoot in the GAA

THE GAA’S Central Council have given the green light to experimental changes to Gaelic football, coming into effect during the 2019 pre season competitions and the National Leagues.

Five changes to the game’s rules in regards to kick-outs, sideline kicks, handpassing, a ‘sin bin’ and the mark will effectively change the face of the game as GAA fans know it in early 2019 – but won’t be in place in next summer’s Championship.

The rules, put forward by the GAA’S Standing Committee on the Playing Rules (SCPR), have all been approved for the experiment – including the amended kick-out rule that will see kicks taken from the 20-metre line, but does not have to pass the 45-metre line.

As well as the rule changes, an Ard Chomhairle also gave its broad support for the introduction of a second-tier football Championship.

That means the issue will be discussed in January’s Central Council meeting and could possibly go forward to February’s Congress – but even if it is approved, it will not come into effect for the 2019 Championship.

A Roscommon motion with regard to a ‘blank canvas’ approach to fixture making was defeated.

The National Hurling League Divisions 1A and 1B will also restructured in 2020, with two groups consisting of a mix of both division’s teams.

The groups will be run on a two year cycle (2020, 2021) and are to be redrawn for 2022 and every two years thereafter. DIVISION 1 – GROUP A 1st placed team 2019 Div 1a 4th Placed team 2019 Div 1a Winner of Div 1a relegation play-off 2nd placed team 2019 Div 1b 3rd placed team 2019 Div 1b Promoted Div 2a team DIVISION 1 GROUP B 2nd placed team 2019 Div 1a 3rd placed team 2019 Div 1a Loser of Div 1a relegation play-off 1st placed team 2019 Div 1b 4th placed team 2019 div 1b 5th placed team 2019 Div 1b