Donegal GAA set to back FRC rule changes at Special Congress

Donegal GAA will be backing the Football Review Committee’s new rule changes which will be brought before Special Congress on Saturday.  

In what has the potential to be the biggest alteration to Gaelic football ever, this weekend delegates will decide which, if any, of the proposed rule changes will come into effect at the start of the 2025 Allianz League.  

The GAA’s Football Review Committee (FRC) and the Management Committee have no plans to alter the proposed playing rule changes ahead of the Special Congress this weekend, meaning that the new rules are set to apply to both inter-county and club games starting in 2025. 

The proposed seven rule changes, which have been trialled over the past 10 months, are designed to be implemented across all levels of the sport. To alter the GAA Official Guide to take on board the new changes, 49 motions are included on the clar for the Special Congress. 

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The proposed seven rule changes are: (1) One v One at throw-in; (2) Advanced Mark alteration; (3) Goalkeeper restriction; (4) Solo and Go; (5) Three v Three structure; (6) Kick-out; (7) 40 metre Arc worth two points. 

Donegal GAA Central Council member Sean Dunnion, who will be one of five Donegal delegates at the Special Congress on Saturday, said that the new rules and the future of the game has been discussed within the county and there is a large feeling of support from Donegal regarding the changes being made.  

“Everything around the new rules enhancements was discussed at the Executive level in Donegal, and it was also brought to the county committee too,” Dunnion said.  

“I think the feel is that everybody is generally supportive but there is a small concern about the rules coming in straight away at all grades, and the impact it will have.”  

While most rules are expected to pass and come into effect for inter-county matches from the start of the league in January, some counties have expressed concerns about how the rules might affect club games.  

They have suggested a phased approach, with inter-county adoption first to give club players, referees, and coaches more time to adapt.  

However, the FRC, supported by the Management Committee, is firm on ensuring that clubs adopt the changes with minimal delay.  

“I think the main concern here was the impact it will have on referees to be honest, but generally everybody is supportive towards this going forward,” said Dunnion.  

According to the current proposal, clubs will be required to implement the rules no later than March 31, 2024. For underage games, counties may modify or limit certain rules, such as removing the 40-metre arc or adjusting the distance required for kick-outs, provided they have approval from the GAA’s Development CCC.  

The enabling motion grants the Central Council authority to review or amend a playing rule if recommended by the FRC or the Rules Advisory Committee. Any such changes would require a majority vote and would likely take place between the league and the championship.  

There is a provision for a temporary amendment that would delay the introduction of the rules at club level for a year, but this would need a 60pc majority at the Special Congress to pass.  

GAA president Jarlath Burns, along with the FRC and Management Committee, is pushing to avoid this delay and ensure consistency across inter-county and club games.  

“We’re all for it, but people need to know as well that it is only for a trial period of 12 months and there is a motion in place that if changes need to be made, that can be done at the end of the National League, just if there is anything that jumps out in the league that may need tweaking for the championship,” Dunnion said.  

“So, we’re very positive looking at this from a Donegal point of view. It is a trial and there is a capacity there during the year to make changes to the rules if that’s needed.  

“I know there would be a worry bringing the rules in at all levels but the rules look to be interconnected, so, you can’t pull one out without there being an effect on something else. 

“But look, it’s obvious that the game over the past number of years needs to be changed in some way, so, we hope we’re taking steps to improve it.”  

Members of the FRC are continuing to meet with counties in the run-up to Congress to address any concerns. So far, the proposals have been met with general support, despite some reservations at club level.