Committee established to monitor Playing Rules

A motion proposing the introduction of a standing committee to monitor to the Playing Rules of Hurling and Football has been passed.

The committee will have the power to bring proposed changes to the playing rules to Central Council each October with a view to then putting them before Congress.

GAA Trustee Con Hogan spoke out in favour of establishing the new committee, insisting it would establish a "tightly controlled system" that would look at problem areas in the playing rules.

Mr. Hogan said there was no fear that a "rash of motions" would end up on Congress floor each year.

He said the committee would address important issues relating to the playing rules, such as the "pulling of helmets", which need to be looked at more frequently than every five years.

The Central Council motion was strongly supported by European delegate Tony Bass, while there was also support from Mayo.

The motion was overwhelmingly passed, with 80 percent of the delegates backing the changes.

Meanwhile, a Central Council Motion proposing suspensions or fines for GAA units who misuse GAA property has also been passed.

The amendment to the rule states: "In the event of any Club, County Committee or Provincial Council acting contrary to this Rule, that body shall be subject to suspension or fine, as deemed appropriate."

Chairman of the Connacht Council Paddy Naughton spoke out in favour of the motion, arguing: "We fear that in some cases that out grounds may have been used for the promotion of other games."

The motion, the last to be dealt with before the break for lunch, received the support of 82 per cent of delegates.