Players opposed to new rules

The Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) are hoping that the GAA Congress will scrap the new rules that were brought into the game for the league campaign.

Congress are set to vote next weekend on whether or not to continue using the new rules in the Championship that kicks off next month.

And the GPA believe that the rules are not being implemented consistently, which has been backed up by a players’ vote that found that 82 per cent are against the new rules.

In a statement released by the GPA on Tuesday, the Association said: ‘The GPA has consulted with its members regarding the new rules being applied to football and hurling and the vote for their continuation at GAA Congress next weekend.

‘The majority of the respondents (82 per cent) were opposed to the continuation of the rules. In light of this result, we are urging all County Boards to consult with their county squads if they have not done so already, before finalising their vote for Congress.

‘Following the poll, we consulted widely with players to ascertain the specific concerns with the new rules.

‘Consistency in application was highlighted as the most common problem players had, with the fear of an unwarranted dismissal in a championship game also being raised as a serious concern.

‘While the GPA understands the difficulties in addressing disciplinary issues within the games and acknowledges the significant efforts made by administrators in this regard, this poll clearly outlines the level of dissatisfaction among the playing body with the new rules.’