Concerns raised as underage football set for major rule changes across counties

Most counties are preparing to adopt the complete set of updated football rules and improvements for underage matches in the coming weeks.

Concerns have been raised about certain requirements, such as ensuring kick-outs travel beyond the 20-metre arc and that some players at specific levels may struggle to consistently meet this distance. Similarly, there has been hesitation about awarding two points for kicks taken from outside the arc.

Counties retain the discretion to decide which enhancements and rules to adopt at the underage level, which is in line with the motion passed at Special Congress enabling such decisions.

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Last month, the GAA’s National Development Competitions Control Committee issued recommendations urging counties to implement all applicable rules for underage games. The "solo and go" rule will now feature in Go Games (U-12 and younger).

This same committee overseeing minor inter-county competitions has confirmed that all rules will apply to the games under its jurisdiction.

“We encourage counties to trial the new rules,” the National Development CCC stated in its communication to counties.

However, there are some discrepancies, particularly concerning the smaller pitch dimensions used for U-13 games. Provisions allow for kick-outs to be taken from the hand, with the goals positioned on the 20-metre line. Counties may also permit goalkeepers or other players to take kick-outs from the edge of the current ‘D’.

For U-13 matches played on reduced pitches, the arc will also be scaled down but should serve as the area beyond which kick-outs must travel and from which two points can be earned for kicking the ball over the bar.

In a discussion paper shared with its clubs, Dublin GAA questioned the use of the 3 v 3 format in 11-a-side matches, suggesting it might be reduced to two players per side instead.

For full-sized teams playing on standard pitches, however, it seems likely that most counties will implement the comprehensive changes.

A notable difference between underage and adult games is that underage players who display dissent towards a referee will receive a 10-minute black card but can be substituted during this time.