Dec 01,2024
Gaelic football will be much changed in 2025, at inter-county and club level, as the GAA's Special Congress has given resounding backing to the rule changes proposed by Jim Gavin's Football Review Committee.
With 60% backing for most motions required, none received less than 73% backing as delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour of change, with all 18 rules passed via 49 motions.
The new rules, which represent the most significant changes to Gaelic football in modern times, will come into effect for the Allianz League in a matter of weeks.
They were trialled at a one-off inter-provincial competition at Croke Park in October, following which proposals for four-point goals and two-point 45s were abandoned.
The first motion debated at length dealt with the administration around the implementation and altering of the rules and whether or not they should operate at club level in 2025.
Despite Sligo and Longford speaking against the universal adoption of the rules, many counties spoke in favour of the rules being used at club level and the motion passed with a whopping 93.1%.
Club competitions already underway and continuing into 2025 will be played under current rules.
The 1v1 throw-in to commence the game, second half and periods of extra-time passed with 91.7% approval.
The motions governing the requirement for kick-outs to travel beyond a 40-yard arc was also passed resoundingly, with over 95% in favour.
The vote to restrict where and when a goalkeeper can receive a pass from a team-mate was the next to be waved through with 94.3% of the vote.
Congress also approved (96.1%) the restructuring of formations, which call for each team to keep three outfield players in the opposition half at all times.
READ MORE: FRC changes: Proposed new look for Gaelic football
The changes to the advanced mark also passed, with 88% support.
The changes to scoring - restricted now to the awarding of two points for a kick over the bar from outside the 40-metre arc - also got the green light with 90.8% after some debate.
There was also support for the popular solo and go development as an option instead of a free, which was also waved through with 96.1%.
Next was the vote on increasing punishment for delay of play, with 85% support for the new rule that calls for a 50m advancement for frees given against those who transgress.
There was 94.4% support for the rule around extending the black card to the offence of holding up your opponent.
Next was a 97.4% backing for rules around taking a free outside the 40-metre arc and downgrading offence of contributing to a melee.
Changes to the advantage rule also passed with 92.4%, which broadens its application and gives referees more discretion on its application.
Beefing up the punishment for dissent was passed with 92.6% of delegates in favour.
There was 86.1% support for changes to rules around dissent and designating captain as only player to communicate with referee.
There was 95.9% backing for the necessary changes to pitch markings required to implement new rules around scoring and 3v3.
The introduction of a countdown clock and hooter (where feasible), as seen in women's football, passed with the lowest vote of the day, 73.7%.
There was 97.5% support for the rule giving line umpires more power, and 95.9% backing for rule insisting on both a player's feet being on the right side of the line.
