Peter Canavan says the new rules in Gaelic football have already improved the spectacle but remains concerned how they will be implemented at club level.
Sunday's Division 1 shoot-out between Kerry and Derry has been offered up by proponents of the rule enhancements of what the future of the game could look like, with more reward for attack and serious consequences for spoiling and defensive tactics.
The two-time All-Ireland winner joined the GAA's Football Review Committee (FRC) last month and is now part of Jim Gavin’s group tasked with assessing the enhancements and offering up tweaks before championship.
Canavan is certain there will be further changes before the race for Sam Maguire and Tailteann Cup begins.
"It’s not the finished product," he told the RTÉ GAA podcast.
"There will be tweaks no doubt before the championship starts, but without a doubt it’s for the betterment of the game."
Canavan acknowledges that while the pressure has been ramped up on match officials to get up to speed with the rules, he is of the view that referees themselves feel it is a necessary short-term pain.
"Whenever you bring in major change, no matter what you are doing, it’s going to be uncomfortable for some people," he said.
"It presents serious challenges for players first of all, and also referees.
"I know from speaking to some referees, they think it is a far better game and going to help them, make it easier, but in the short term it’s not because they have so much to bring on board.
"There is a lot going on but in the long run I think the referees will appreciate the rules."
The Tyrone native is well-positioned within the FRC given his standing in the game, his well-articulated views and also for the fact he has been critical in the past of the number of changes proposed by the FRC.
Canavan appreciates the rationale behind every rule, and has been won over on some of the changes.
For example, he was dubious of the tap-and-go when it was proposed but concedes that has been a welcome addition.
"It’s obvious it is working," he said. "It’s obvious players aren’t interfering because if they do it’s a 50m penalty," yet his unease at increased workload on referees to be fully at ease with all the infractions still stands.
"It doesn’t sit well with me. I think it can be accommodated at county level, no problem, because you have a good referee, four umpires and two linesmen, but what about club football?
"That’s a completely different question and a different set of challenges.
"While I would prefer if there were less rules in number to make it easier for referees, I think every rule change enhancement is very valid and a very good reason for it."
The FRC have established a 'Games Intelligence Unit' (GIU) which will monitor, track and collect data from the new rule enhancements and while Canavan is still relatively new to the role, he has been impressed by the professionalism Jim Gavin has brought to the group.
"He listens to those on the committee," he said. "Everybody there has a voice and their opinions taken on board. Every game and every aspect of refereeing decisions has been looked at to see what can be done to further improve and tweak things."
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