GAA Congress introduces changes to target indiscipline

Damien Maher

While the election of Jarlath Burns as President was the main highlight, the GAA Congress at Croke Park on Friday and Saturday was significant in introducing a range of new measures to target indiscipline.

The passing of a new anti racism rule was significant and the suspension is now 48 weeks (it was a two-match suspension). It is now a category six infraction as opposed to category four. Westmeath had passed a motion in relation to this at their County Convention. Any act, deed, word or gesture of a racist nature, now carries a 48 weeks suspension, with the team liable to disqualification. A repeat infraction carries 96 weeks.

The suspension may be reduced provided the player has completed a training or education course.

In relation to abuse of match officials, the penalties have been doubled. Regarding a team official, the suspension is total and excludes all involvement with the club. No longer can a suspended official sit behind the dug-out.

However, a chairman or secretary cannot be suspended for failing to oversee this. The team official who refuses to abide by it may have the suspension doubled.

Striking or attempting to strike a match official, or any assault of a referee or official, now carries a 96-week suspension, double what it was. That will be doubled for a repeat infraction Misconduct by team officials is now eight weeks suspension, plus two matches. These major changes come into effect in a month’s time.

The next game in the same competition has been defined: a relegation match or a promotion match wasn’t included, but it now is.

Elsewhere, Galway were accepted into Leinster at minor level, as well as under 20.

Meanwhile, regarding a player making more than one substitute appearance on different teams (for example, a junior player coming on for a team in a senior game), he will lose his status.

Elsewhere, for a child who plays go-games, it was the case that the club became the child’s first club, but this no longer applies. A child will now have to play under 12 for a club for it to become their first club.

In hurling, all players except the midfielders will be required to remain behind the 45-metre line for the throw-in. You can play under 20 in the Leinster Championship and play senior inter county also, provided there is a week between the games to cover player welfare issues.

Elsewhere, referees have the power to order a free to be retaken if the goals are interfered with.

Tom Hunt, Pat Reilly, Joe Daly, Frank Mescall, Brendan Shaw, Pat Doherty and Sean Sheridan of Westmeath attended last weekend’s congress. In an interesting backdrop, it’s now 40 years since Frank Mescall, current chairman, played for Clare against Waterford and Tom Hunt (Central Council Delegate) was in goal. Frank scored three goals, but Tom produced a save that won save of the year. In 2000, Frank was manager of Mullingar Shamrocks and Tom was club chairman as they won the senior football title, defeating Tyrrellspass.