The key playing rules motions and how they might fare at GAA Special Congress

How will the six-time All-Ireland SFC winning manager fare? Here’s our poll predictions:

Motion 1: An enabling motion emphasising the rule changes are introduced on an experimental basis for 2025 only and to be implemented across all levels by March 31 with some allowances made for under-age. The proposal also empowers Central Council to add, amend or rescind rules during the year.

Verdict: A motion that wasn’t in the FRC’s interim report but is obviously required. Counties are fretting about the amount of recruiting and other practical issues that will have to be tackled for the rules to come into operation at club level. An amendment stating they should be for inter-county only would fly through but this could be tight. You imagine Croke Park and the FRC’s intense lobbying this week will convince enough delegates to apply the rules across the board from the off.

Motions 2-4, motions 42-43: The one-v-one throw-in. Instead of two players from each team contesting the start of each half, it will be one against one standing each side of the new dashed halfway line with the others standing on opposite sidelines.

Verdict: Expected to pass easily. There was some cribbing about one of the second “midfielder” being disadvantaged because he can’t see when the ball is thrown up by the referee but the players swap sides for the second half.

Motions 5-12: The kick-out. All restarts must go beyond the new 40-metre arc before a defending player can touch the ball. A defending player may not pass the ball directly to the goalkeeper who has taken the restart.

Verdict: Good omens for these changes. The FRC received a strong mandate for more contests and this should contribute to more long kick-outs and high presses.

Motions 13-15: The goalkeeper. He can only receive the ball either passed the halfway line or inside the large rectangle when the passer is also in it.

Verdict: A nod to tradition or an attempt to curb the influence of the fly goalie, it’s a rule alteration that has gained traction.

Motions 16-18: Three-v-three. At all times, there must be three outfield players from each team in each half of the field. Penalty for purposeful breach is a free on the 13m line.

Verdict: Éamonn Fitzmaurice’s baby should get the green light. Several players privately believe it and the kick-out arc alone are enough to contribute to better spectacles. It will be a challenge to police it at club level but it is a positive step and will be seen as such.

Motion 19: The advanced mark. It can be claimed with a catch inside the 20m line from a kick outside the 45m. Both attacker and defender can be awarded it but the former will be afforded advantage to go for goal knowing he will at least get a free.

Verdict: An improved version of the hideous rule that has been in place the last five seasons. It seems harsh on the inside defender though, and there could be debate before it is endorsed.

Motions 20-22 and motions 42, 44 and 45: The two-point score. A kicked point from play or free (not 45) either on or outside the 40m arc will be worth two points and an orange flag raised to signal it.

Verdict: Without the four-point goal, it is under threat and threatens to overvalue a shot from distance at the expense of the goal, which in the 2023 championship had the lowest return – 1.8 per game – in 11 years. It may pass but it will be a close one.

Motions 23-25: Delay fouling. A free kick will be advanced 50m up to the 13m line if a team is deemed to have deliberately slowed down the opponents’ attempt to take it. The ball must be “handed over” to the opposing side.

Verdict: Cynicism that is considered less punishable than a black card. In the white heat of battle, it will be interesting to see how referees administer it. There will be some opposition but it can reach the 60% mark.

Motions 26-32: Solo and go. A player has an option to play on quickly having won a free with the solo toe-tap between the two 20m lines.

Verdict: First suggested by Dessie Farrell over 10 years ago, this is a lock.

Motion 33: Additional black card offence – preventing an opponent from playing the ball by holding him up.

Verdict: The black card list was and should always be a live one. This rule change is indeed an enhancement and should be backed heavily.

Motion 35: Third man in constitutes a melee and a black card. Unless he is trying to pull away a team-mate.

Verdict: It appears to nail a grey area once and for all and should apply to hurling too.

Motions 34, 36: Advantage rule. The referee can operate it at his/her own discretion as opposed to the current five-second window. A second foul during advantage is the one that counts but in motion 34 a player would be able to favour a two-point free rather than a one-point.

Verdict: Referees know they will have supporters on their back if they play too much but the five seconds can at times be a bit restrictive. It should prompt words from the floor but can proceed.

Motions 37-39: Dissent. Complain to the referee about a free and the ball will be brought forward 50m (black card at under-age level too). Punishments of 13m advancements for dissent from management figures also carry.

Verdict: They’re largely considered good respect ideas but will have to be managed carefully.

Motion 40-41: Captain Communicator. Only he or a designated player can seek clarification from a referee about a decision. Breaching it carries a free being brought up 50m.

Verdict: This is a step in the right direction for respecting match officials but may take some getting used to. The days of captains as goalkeepers could be over too. It’s anticipated it will pass.

Motion 46-47: Clock/hooter. Time will be counted down rather than up with stoppages for substitutes and other prescribed stoppages (not kick-outs, frees). Each half will be sounded by a siren and the clock will be public.

Verdict: It has passed at two Annual Congresses and has yet to see the light of day. A few counties don’t seem too keen on it. Implications for hurling may impact the vote too. On a knife-edge.

Motion 48: Line umpires. Empowering linesmen with not only a new title but additional powers to alert referees to any foul plays as well as validity of scores and advanced marks.

Verdict: A long time coming. Should sail through.