This week the GAA has revealed they will be hosting a coaching and games development webinar on Monday, December 16, to help coaches and players understand the new Gaelic football rule changes.
Last weekend saw the changes introduced at the Special Congress.
The webinar will be the likes of the Football Review Committee: Éamonn Fitzmaurice, James Horan, Colm Collins, and Colm Nally present it. Also, the GAA National Player Development Lead, Jack Cooney, and National Coach Development Coordinator, Emma Byrne, will also be present for the webinar.
The panel of experts plans to explain the rule updates and explore coaching strategies to maximise their impact on the pitch.
The GAA has announced on its website that participants can submit questions ahead of the December 16 webinar, which will be answered live. An FAQ resource outlining the new rules became available from December 6th, along with additional online and in-person resources to support coaches.
For further details, please visit the official GAA website or sign up for the December 16 webinar.
Key New Gaelic Football Rules Passed at the GAA Special Congress:
- 1v1 Throw-In:
At the start of each half, only one player from each team contests the throw-in, with the other midfielders positioned on the halfway line.
- Kickouts:
Must be taken from the 20-meter line and travel beyond the 40-meter arc. Players can be inside the 20-meter line but must remain 13 meters from the ball during the kickout.
- Goalkeeper Restrictions:
Goalkeepers can only receive a pass within the opposition's half or inside their own large rectangle.
- 'Solo and Go' Rule:
Allows players fouled to quickly take a free kick by tapping the ball to themselves, preventing momentum loss from tactical fouls.
- 3v3 Rule:
Requires a minimum of three outfield players in each half, with adjustments for black cards or red cards (2v2).
- Advanced Mark:
A mark can be claimed inside the 20-meter line from a kick pass outside the 45-meter line. Play can continue unless no advantage is gained.
- 40m Arc Scoring:
Long-range scores from outside the 40m arc are worth two points, indicated by an orange flag or umpire’s raised arms.
- Delay and Dissent Penalties:
Delaying a free kick moves the ball 50m forward. Dissent can lead to sin bins (underage) or penalties for team officials.
- Black Card and Melee Punishment:
Holding a player results in a black card. Joining a melee leads to a red card unless the player is trying to de-escalate.
- Advantage Rule:
Referees can signal and allow play to continue if a clear advantage follows a foul.
- Referee Communication:
Only the captain or their deputy may seek clarity from the referee during play.
- Timekeeping Changes:
A public clock and hooter system (as in Ladies' Football) will be introduced where available.
- Umpire Powers:
Umpires can now report fouls, infractions, and other misconduct by players or officials to the referee.
These rules will take effect during the Allianz Football League campaign and club football starting next year.
