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Annual Congress 2015: The Motions Explained

24 February 2015 - 12:00AM

By Arthur Sullivan

This coming Friday and Saturday (February 27 and 28) the GAA's Annual Congress will take place at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Co. Cavan.

This year's Congress will see Uachtaráin-Tofa Aogán Ó Fearghail officially succeed Liam Ó Néill as GAA President, becoming the 38th President of the GAA and the first Cavan man to take on the role.

In terms of motions, this year a total of 65 will come before the delegates to be discussed and voted upon. As this year's Congress is a 'playing rule change Congress', many of the motions are related to that.

The motions come from a variety of sources; clubs and county boards have forwarded motions, and there are also motions this year from the 2020 Hurling Committee, the Minor Review Committee, the Rules Advisory Committee and from Ard Chomhairle itself.

Click here to download the official guide to all 67 motions (PDF)

Here are some useful documents to read alongside examining the motions:

2015 Annual Report 2015 Financial Report GAA Official Guide Part 1 GAA Official Guide Part 2

And below is a simplified guide to the motions to be dealt with in Cavan this weekend.

MOTIONS FOR CONGRESS 2015

Motions 1 and 2: The first two motions on the agenda, if passed, will pave the way for a black card to be used in hurling as well as football. Like in football, the successful introduction of a black card would increase the number of substitutes in a game from five to six and these initial motions relate to that specifically. Motions 12 and 20 (see below) also relate to the introduction of a black card in hurling, with the four motions all providing for its introduction. (Proposed by Maastricht, Europe GAA).

Motion 3: If passed, this motion would mean that yellow cards issued in normal time would no longer carry into extra-time. (Proposed by Gurtin St Patrick's, Tyrone and Warrenpoint, Down).

Motion 4: This proposal seeks to extend the playing time of inter-county U21 Football and Hurling matches from 30 minutes a half to 35 minutes a half, the same as senior inter-county games. (Proposed by Newport, Tipperary).

Motion 5: This motion seeks to make extra-time obligatory for all matches in all of the following competitions: all inter-county championships games at all grades, up to and including the All-Ireland Finals; the knock-out stages of the National Leagues, Inter-Provincial Competitions, Oireachtas and other Inter-County Tournaments, Inter-Club Provincial and All-Ireland Championships, the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups, and any other games in subsidiary competitions. If passed, it would greatly limit the need for replays throughout the season. (JK Brackens, Tipperary).

Motion 6: This proposal seeks to increase the diameter size of the sliotar to 85-88mm (from 69-72mm) and the mass to 150-160mm (from 110-120mm). If adopted, this proposal would reduce the travel distance of a sliotar. (Cratloe, Clare).

Motion 7: In the event of a clash of colours for any game, the CCC charged with organising the game shall toss a coin to decide who wears their own colours and the other team shall be instructed to wear their alternative colours. (Golden-Kilfeacle, Tipperary).

Motion 8: A slight change to the rules on a referee's powers, allowing for greater consultation with a linesman or umpires "in order to establish matters of fact", such as the validity of a score when the referee is in doubt. (St Loman's, Westmeath).

Motion 9: This proposal would strengthen the powers of a linesman to bring to the attention of the referee, during a break in play, any instances of foul play, in particular rough or dangerous play, striking, hitting, or kicking, or unauthorised incursions onto the field of play, which have not been noticed by the referee. (St Loman's, Westmeath).

Motions 10 and 11: Also proposed by St Loman's, these motions propose slight technical amendments to the wording around the awarding of frees. (St Loman's, Westmeath)

Motion 12: Linked to Motions 1 and 2, this motion is necessary in order to facilitate a black card in hurling. (Maastricht, Europe).

Motion 13: This motion seeks to pave the way for temporary substitutions to be made, just like blood substitutes, in the event of a player suffering a suspected concussion. A player suffering a suspected concussion would only be able to return to the field if tests on the suspected concussion proved negative. (Pomeroy, Tyrone, St Molaise, Fermanagh, Aidan McAnespies, North America).

Motion 14: If this is passed, goalkeepers in football, after receiving a pass from a teammate, will have to kick the ball away. If the ball is not played away with the foot, it will result in a free to the opposition from the 45 metre line. (Clane, Kildare).

Motion 15: This motion seeks a very slight technical change to the wording around the hand pass in football (Kilsheelan/Kilcash, Tipperary).

Motion 16: If passed, this would mean that a football team would have to kick the ball after two consecutive movements of the ball by hand or fist. In other words, it would limit the use of consecutive hand passes to two. (Clondegad, Clare).

Motion 17: This motion seeks to further clarify the definition of the hand pass in football by the addition of the line: 'There must be no propulsion of the ball by the non-striking hand during the execution of the pass.' (St Loman's, Westmeath).

Motion 18: This motion would increase the penalty against players who stand too close to the taker for free-kicks or sideline kicks. In particular, it would mean that if opposition players stand less than 13 metres from where a kick is being taken, it would result in that kick being brought 13 metres closer to goal by means of penalty. (St Loman's, Westmeath).

Motion 19: If passed, a player in either football or hurling will only be able to carry the ball in their hand for three steps before an action (pass, hop, solo, tap with hurl) be taken. As it stands, the rule is four steps before an action be taken. (St Mary's, Tipperary).

Motion 20: Relates to the introduction of a black card in hurling. This motion proposes the addition of various 'Category II infractions' (Cynical Behaviour), such as a deliberate pull-down, a deliberate trip, etc, which would be then punishable by a black card. The black carded player could then be substituted, as it currently is in Gaelic football. See motions 1, 2, 12 and 64. (Maastricht, Europe GAA).

HURLING 2020 PROPOSALS (Motions 21-24)

Motion 21: One of the most high-profile proposals, this one is from the Hurling 2020 Committee and relates to the penalty in hurling. If passed, it will mean A) That the player taking the penalty must strike the ball on or outside the 20 metre line, but not beyond it and B) That only one defending player may stand on the goal-line facing the penalty, and may not move towards the 20 metre line until before the ball has been struck. All other players on both teams must remain outside the 20 metre line until after the ball has been struck. (Hurling 2020 Committee).

Motion 22: Also from the Hurling 2020 Committee, this would allow for an advantage rule in hurling, similar to the one that currently applies in football. If passed, when a foul is committed, the referee may allow the play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage of the offended team. The advantage period will last for up to five seconds after the foul has been committed. (Hurling 2020 Committee).

Motion 23: If passed, this would mean that a player given two yellow cards in hurling could be replaced by a substitute, meaning two yellow cards no longer would equal an automatic red. The player with two yellows would have to leave the field, but his side's playing numbers would not be reduced. This motion, from the 2020 Committee, has raised plenty of debate. "The one that came under the most scrutiny in our interactions was the two yellows," said Committee chairman Liam Sheedy. "If you asked me to pick one that may not whet the appetite it's that one. But it's not about being right all the time. There's data to back up where we are coming from in each of these and if they fail to make it then majority rules - that's the organisation we operate in." (Hurling 2020 Committee).

Motion 24: This motion, the final one from the 2020 Committee on the programme for Congress, would provide for the winners of the Christy Ring Cup to be automatically promoted to the following year's Provincial Qualifier Group in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. If passed, it will apply from 2015 onwards. (Hurling 2020 Committee).

ARD CHOMHAIRLE INTERPRETATIONS (Motions 25-29)

Motion 25: Relates to the penalty in hurling ( see full motion here ). (Ard Chomhairle).

Motion 26: Slight technical amendments to the rules around lifting and striking for free pucks and penalty pucks in hurling. (Ard Chomhairle).

Motion 27: This motion proposes that rule 3.8, introduced last year to provide for a public clock/hooter in all senior football and hurling championship matches, be deleted. The rule was due to come into effect on April 1, 2015 but if this motion is passed, it will be removed from the rule book. (Ard Chomhairle).

Motion 28: This motion relates to the issue of 'collective training'. It defines collective training as follows: "Collective training is where one or more players are asked to be at a specific place at a specific time on a specific date." It outlines when senior inter-county panels can return to collective training based on their championship exits, and also outlines the dates when U21 and minor inter-county teams can begin collective training. The proposed penalties for breaching the rules are: Senior Inter-County panels: Team forfeits venue for next home game in the Allianz League. All other Inter-County panels: Prohibited from participating in challenge games/tournaments until 31st January (Under 21 Football) and 31st March (U21 Hurling). (Ard Chomhairle).

Motion 29: This proposes a new rule, whereby, for senior inter-county championship games, a panel of 26 players (team plus subs) be registered no later than 9am on the Thursday before a weekend game. The penalty for breaking the rule is the withdrawal of sideline privileges for the manager and/or a EUR1000 fine. No players may be added to the registered team or panel after it has been submitted (with the exception of a goalkeeper or sub-goalkeeper) and the penalty for breaking this rule is forfeiture of the game. On the day of the match itself, a prescribed team list (as issued by the Committee-in-Charge from time to time), confirming the 15 starting players and maximum 11 additional panel members, shall be submitted to the referee not later than 20 minutes before the official starting time. A fine of EUR1000 will be issued for every minute after the prescribed time.

RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MOTIONS (Motions 30-49)

Motions 30-49: All from the Rules Advisory Committee, these motions are all quite technical, and relate to various issues, including the staging of Annual Congress itself, rules around clubs not taking part in county championships, the organisation of county fixture programmes and rules around transfers. All these motions can be read about in detail by clicking here . (All Rules Advisory Committee)

MINOR REVIEW COMMITTEE MOTIONS (Motions 50-54)

Motion 50: The following five motions are all from the Minor Review Committee. The first (50) proposes that the age of eligibility to play senior club football and hurling be raised from over 16 to over 17, and for inter-county from over 16 to over 18. At U21 level, it proposes that club players be over 16 and that inter-county players be over 18. (Minor Review Committee).

Motion 51: Proposes that a player on an inter-county minor panel shall not play in adult club league competitions/challenge games until his inter-county activity for the year is concluded. (Minor Review Committee).

Motion 52: This motion proposes the removal of the All-Ireland Minor Championship quarter-finals, and would provide for the four provincial minor champions to proceed directly to the All-Ireland semi-finals. (Minor Review Committee).

Motion 53: This motion relates to the dates when provincial minor championships should commence. (Minor Review Committee).

Motion 54: This motion gives second level schools 'first call' on players involved with a county minor or U21 panel until such time that their competitive involvement with their school team is concluded. (Minor Review Committee).

OTHER MOTIONS FROM COUNTIES (Motions 55-65)

Motion 55 and 56: Motion 55 relates to the terms of office of officers and Motion 56 relates to the submission of motions for county conventions. (Limerick and Roscommon)

Motion 57: This motion proposes that 'The Chairperson of each Provincial Sub-Committee shall present a Progress Report on the work of the Committee as required by Provincial Council. A Progress Report shall be presented by all Sub-Committees at least once per year.' (Munster Council)

Motion 58: A significant motion. If passed, it will grant Central Council the power to authorise the use of Croke Park and all county grounds for games other than those controlled by the Association, for example in soccer and rugby. (Milltown-Malbay, Clare).

Motions 59 and 60: Both relate to player eligibility. Motion 59 is proposed by London GAA, and Motion 60, proposed by Aidan McAnespies GAA in North America, relates to the players in USA/Canada/Australasia/Europe. Click here to read these motions in detail . (London GAA, Aidan McAnespies)

Motions 61 and 62: These motions relate to the period of time a club player shall not be expected to fulfil inter-club championship fixtures prior to inter-county championship games. Motion 61, from Tyrrellspass in Co Westmeath, proposes that that period for championship games (except the All-Ireland final) be reduced from 13 days to 6 days. If passed, it would mean clubs would have slightly more access to their players in advance of inter-county championship games. Motion 62, from Loughmore-Castleiney in Co Tipperary, proposes a similar rule change. Their proposal is that players be available to clubs until eight days before an inter-county championship match and until 13 days before an All-Ireland final. (Tyrrellspass, Loughmore-Castleiney)

Motion 63: This lengthy and complex motion relates to the organisation of provincial championships by provincial councils. Its central proposal reads: 'Provincial Championships shall be organised in a format as agreed by each Provincial Council.' It largely relates to the 'A' and 'B' sides of the All-Ireland Qualifiers, and would allow for provincial councils to organise their provincial championships with an 'A' and 'B' side of the draw, to feed into the All-Ireland Qualifier structure at a later date. Crucially, the motion proposes that provincial councils be allowed introduce a seeding system within the province. "Provincial Councils may organise their respective Championships to take into account the relative strengths of the Counties within the Province," it states. (Leinster Council - Longford and Carlow)

Motion 64: Relates to the appointment of match officials. Among other adjustments, it proposes the following: "For Senior Inter County League and Championship games, the Committee responsible shall appoint as umpires one retired referee, or a former member of the National Referees Panel and a potential inter county Referee to officiate at each goal end." (Four Masters, Donegal).

Motion 65: This motion is a further technical rule change, relating to the possible introduction of a black card in hurling (See motions 1, 2, 12 and 20). (Maastricht, Europe GAA)

Motion 66: This motion seeks a slight change to the rules regarding the referee's report as it is applied and used in hearings. (Cratloe, Clare).

Motion 67: This motion proposes that Central Council adopt a Code of Conduct for officers, members, players, parents/guardians, mentors, supporters, match officials, teams and units defining appropriate behaviour and practices. The code will specify the disciplinary procedures to be applied for breaching the code. (Ard Chomhairle).