Major rule changes approved for the final two rounds of the football league

All six proposals put forward by the Football Review Committee (FRC) have been approved by Central Council. 

These changes will take effect from this weekend’s Round 6 fixtures in the Allianz Football League, with counties given a deadline of May 1 to implement them. 

All six playing rule changes received strong backing, with over 93pc support from the 46 Central Council delegates. The closest vote concerned the deadline for implementing these changes at club level, with 59pc approving the May 1 target. 

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A key motion passed at Special Congress allows Central Council to amend the experimental rules introduced by the FRC. Among the most notable changes is the requirement for four players to remain in their own half at all times. Goalkeepers will still be permitted to move beyond the halfway line, but only if four teammates remain behind them. If a team loses players due to black or red cards, they must still keep three players inside the opposition’s half. 

Delegates also approved greater flexibility for minor infractions of the four-back, three-up rule. Players who stray up to four metres beyond the halfway line without impacting play will not be penalised. 

Another key amendment concerns the clock and hooter regulations. Under the revised rules, each half will only conclude when the ball has gone out of play over the sideline, a score has been registered, a wide has been recorded, or after a 45 has been taken. 

For the first time, the clock and hooter system will be in use for the Division 3 and 4 finals at Croke Park later this month. Previously, this technology was limited to Division 1 and 2 matches. It has also been confirmed that the system will be applied to all championship games, beginning with the provincial fixtures next month. 

Another approved change enables a player who claims a kick-out mark to play on immediately without being tackled within a four-metre radius. If an opponent infringes within this zone, a free kick will be awarded from a position 50 metres ahead of the original mark, up to the opposition’s 13-metre line. Alternatively, the team may opt for a two-point free kick from beyond the 40-metre arc. 

In another adjustment, if a player is awarded a mark but their team does not gain an advantage, the referee will signal “no advantage gained,” and play will revert to the original mark position. 

Additionally, the definition of a two-point score from beyond the 40-metre arc has been altered. The word “directly” has been removed, meaning that if a shot strikes the crossbar or upright before crossing the line, it will still count. 

The FRC also recommended a stricter penalty for misconduct by team officials. Instead of a 13-metre free, such infractions will now result in a 20-metre free. In some cases, the free may be moved to the 40-metre arc, offering an opportunity for a two-point attempt. 

These adjustments mark a significant shift in how the game is played and officiated, with the aim of improving fairness, clarity, and consistency across all levels of competition.