The GAA’s Central Council has approved a series of new Gaelic football rule modifications, which will take effect for the final two rounds of the Allianz League and potentially continue into the Championship.
The changes, proposed by the Football Review Committee, primarily focus on the controversial 3v3 rule, which has been adjusted to limit attacking overloads and ensure fairness when teams are reduced in numbers due to disciplinary actions.
Key Rule Adjustments
Changes to the 3v3 Rule
Previously, teams often exploited the 3v3 rule by bringing goalkeepers forward to create a 12v11 advantage, leading to prolonged spells of possession around midfield. Under the revised rules:
- The team in possession must have at least four players in their own half, including the goalkeeper.
- This means goalkeepers can still push forward, but a defender must remain behind to maintain numerical balance.
- If a team is reduced due to a red or black card, they must still have at least three players in the opposition’s half at all times.
Violations of the revised 3v4 rule will result in a free kick from where the player crossed the halfway line. However, minor or unintentional breaches—such as crossing the halfway line by a few metres without interfering in play—will not be penalized.
Timing and End-of-Game Adjustments
A hooter system has been introduced across all four divisions and the Championship to clarify when halves end:
- The referee will now signal halftime or full-time after the ball next goes out of play for a score, a wide, or a sideline kick.
- If a 45m free kick has been awarded before the hooter but not yet taken, it can still be taken. If the ball goes directly over the bar without any other player touching it, the score will count.
Kick-Out and Mark Rule Modifications
- A kick-out must still reach or go past the 40m line.
- A player claiming a kick-out mark can now play on immediately and cannot be challenged for four metres.
- If the player is challenged within this four-metre space, a free kick 50 metres more advantageous will be awarded (up to the opposition’s 13m line).
- The player also has the option to move the ball outside the 40m arc and attempt a two-point score.
Two-Point Score Clarification
- The phrase “directly” has been removed from the rule regarding a two-point score from outside the 40m arc.
- Previously, the ball had to pass over the bar without any deflection to count for two points.
- Now, if the ball hits the post but still goes over, it will still count as two points, ensuring fair recognition of the intended rule.
Stronger Penalties for Team Official Dissent
- A dissent infraction by a team official will now result in a 20m free instead of a 13m free.
- The free can also be moved out to the 40m arc, where the attacking team can opt for a two-point attempt.
Implementation Timeline
The rule changes will be fully enforced in inter-county games immediately, while club-level adoption will be at the discretion of each county until May 1.
With the Allianz League nearing its conclusion, teams will now have to adapt quickly to the updated rules as they prepare for the Championship.
