A complete roll-out of the public clock-hooter at inter-county level is unlikely for 2025, but the Football Review Committee (FRC) expects the technology to be in play for every televised or streamed championship match.
The hooter system was in place for all Allianz Division 1 games this season, and introduced to Division 2 from Round 3. It was used in Croke Park for all four divisional finals.
FRC chairperson Jim Gavin says the majority of grounds "25-30" will have it in place for championship, and insisted that following Central Council discussions with county boards, any county ground that will broadcast or stream a Sam Maguire or Tailteann Cup game will have to have the technology in place.
"Obviously from an FRC perspective we’d like to see it everywhere," he said. "The harsh reality is that some grounds aren’t ready.
"Central Council are proposing now – voted on by the counties on Monday night – only venues where matches are broadcast or streamed live. That ground will have to be ready."
The CCCC informed Central Council delegates in February that each county board faces a bill of approximately €7,000 for the technology.
Speaking to the media after the publication of a report into the findings from the rule enhancements after seven rounds of the Allianz Football League, Gavin outlined the positive impacts the adjustments have made across the games, comparing favourably in a range of metrics to last year’s league.
Fellow FRC member and former referee Maurice Deegan rebuffed suggestions that the rule whereby only a captain or a nominated player will be permitted to speak to a referee to seek clarification on a decision could come under increased scrutiny this weekend when the championship kicks off.
Chairperson Gavin conceded that the rule has not been implemented to the letter of the law as the league progressed.
"We believe it is working as intended," he said. "We probably have seen more chatter from the players in recent games, questioning or discussing with the referee."
David Coldrick, who took charge of the Division 1 final at the weekend, outlined his unease with the rule last month.
"I like to talk to players, and if players respectfully ask me a question about why I gave a decision, then I should respectfully answer," he told the BBC Social podcast.
"That rule, that it is only through the captain, I don’t like it because of that communication piece. And I don’t think it is necessary."
Deegan however doesn’t expect a significant "clampdown" on the rule this weekend, adding there is "certain communication" allowed between the referee and other players.
He added the constant communication between the FRC and Donal Smyth, the GAA's head of national referees, ensures everyone is on the same page.
"Any issues we see throughout the league and championship, we are in constant contact with Donal and the referees," he said.
"The biggest thing is the application of the rules. We will be asking the referees to apply the rules as they are."
The amendments, framework and ongoing collection of data are all part of the FRC process that will lead to a final report following the conclusion of the 2025 inter-county competitions.
Final proposals will again be discussed and considered on 4 October by Special Congress.
Any proposals ratified there will come into effect as a permanent rule change in 2026.
