1
CONGRESS 2007
Motions Passed
1.That Congress adopt in principle a further Interim Report and Recommendations of the Rule Book Task Force, subject to consideration of individual Sections of the Motion contained in the separate Booklet, which shall form a part of the Congress material.
All Rules and numbers thereof referred to in the Motion and in the separate Booklet shall be of the O.G. 2007. It is proposed to -
(1)Adopt in Rule relevant aspects of Central Council Decisions on Rule Interpretation given from 1935 to 2006 inclusive.
This is to conform with Rules 76 (e), 82 and 85.
(2)To consider Motions on Disciplinary Aspects of the Playing Rules, as authorised by Congress 2006.
Amendments to the following Rules are proposed -
Rule 5 in the Playing Rules of both Hurling and Football; Rule 124
(3)To adopt changes in Rule arising from D.R.A. Decisions of 2006, in conformity with Rule 82.
(4)To adopt in Rule Form procedures re grading of Clubs and Players.
(5)To adopt an amended Rule 139 in relation to Tournament and ChallengeGames.
(6)To adopt an amended Rule 65 in relation to the dates of Provincial Conventions.
(7)To adopt amendments relating to the Enforcement of Rules and specifically to Rule 89 and 144(cc)
Ard Chomhairle
[See report of Rule Book Task Force]
2.That Rule 4 T.O. 2006 is amended to read:
Rule 4 (b) under the existing Rule Additional Aims
(b) The Asociation shall promote its cultural aims amongst communities abroad through its overseas units
Possible Rules affected: 2, 3, 15, 22.
Current Rules 4 (b) & (c) to become 4 (d) & (e)
COMMENT
Whilst some committee members in Australasia understand that overseas Units have County status, approximately 75% of players in Australasia are locals who have no link with Ireland. Many have commented on the fact there is no direct reference to overseas units in the Official Guide. As overseas Units move more towards developing the game with local people, the intent of the motion is to have a specific reference to overseas units.
Coiste Chontae na hAstráile
3.That Rule 13 Page 7 & 8 T.O. 2006 be amended by deletion of the present clauses and wording and their replacement by the following:
Rule 13 Playing Gear and Equipment
(a)All jerseys, shorts, stocking, tracksuits and kitbags worn and/or used for official matches, in pre-match or post-match television or video interviews and photographs shall be of Irish manufacture. This requirement shall also apply to replica playing gear.
Branding
(b)The Association’s Corporate Logo shall be displayed on all jerseys worn by players during official matches, in pre-match television or video interviews and photographs.
(c)No sponsor’s brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo shall be displayed on jerseys, tracksuits and kitbags unless in accordance with an officially approved sponsorship agreement. No sponsor’s brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo shall be displayed on shorts.
(d)No Club shall be entitled to enter into a sponsorship agreement with regard to the use of a sponsor’s brand name, distinctive marks or logo on playing gear unless it has obtained the prior written approval of the CountyCommittee.
(e)No County shall be entitled to enter into a sponsorship agreement with regard to the use of a sponsor’s brand name, distinctive marks or logo on playing gear unless it has obtained the prior written approval of Central Council.
(f)The total area of the sponsor’s brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo on jerseys shall not exceed an area of 350 square centimetres. That area shall be calculated by measuring the total area, including background highlighting, covered from one extremity to the other. The calculation of the size does not refer to the area covered by individual letters of a name or distinctive mark or logo but to the total area.
(g)No brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo or other advertising material shall be displayed on boots, gloves, hurleys, kicking tees, ashguards, sweatbands, under-garments, headbands or helmets or on any other item of playing equipment or accessories worn or displayed during official matches or in pre-match or post-match television or video interviews or photographs, other than the manufacturer’s or supplier’s brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo.
(h)No manufacturer’s or supplier’s brand names or names, distinctive marks or logo may be displayed on items of playing gear as set out in sub clause (a) of this rule unless such items are included in an official Licence Agreement previously approved by the Management Committee. No brand name or names, distinctive marks or logo of any nature shall be displayed on stockings.
(i)Unless in accordance with sub clauses (c) and (h) no other brand names or names, distinctive marks or logo or other advertising material shall be displayed on jerseys, shorts, tracksuits or kitbags.
(j)The acceptance of playing gear and/or equipment by any unit of the association shall be permitted on the following conditions:
iCompliance with sub-clauses (a), (b), (c), (f), (h) and (i) of this rule;
iiThe presentation of the playing gear and/or equipment is made to Officers of the appropriate unit of the Association; and
iiiThe playing gear and/or equipment comply with the Playing Gear and Equipment Regulations as ratified from time to time by Central Council.
(k)No player, official or member shall contract himself to use any particular brand of playing gear, equipment or accessories other than boots, helmets and undergarments and then only provided they fully comply with the provisions of this rule.
(l)No unit or team shall contract itself or himself to wear or use any particular brand of playing gear, equipment or accessories unless such playing gear, equipment or accessories fully comply with the provisions of this Rule.
Penalty: Any unit or team in breach of this rule shall be liable to disqualification and/or loss of expenses.
Any player, official or member in breach of this rule shall be liable to a suspension of not less than 24 weeks or to expulsion.
Coiste Chontae Chiarraí
Composite Motion
This motion replaces motions 6, 7 and 8 on the Congress Clár.
That R. 43 ,(a), ( (b) and (c) (i) T.O. 2007 be amended to read :
(a)A weekend Authorisation is required by any player intending to assist a Club in a game under thejurisdiction of the New York Board or the European Board. TheOfficial Authorisation, in duplicate, requires thesignature of the player's home Club Secretary and the CountySecretary and must be presented for signature by the DirectorGeneral (or other designated person) in CrokePark before 4 p.m. on the Wednesday before the game.
An Authorisation is valid for one weekend only other than where
there is a replay of the game for which the Authorisation was granted. The maximum number of authorised players to assist a Club in any weekend shall be two in Football and three in Hurling.
(b)(i)A player intending to play on a longer term basis in the area governed by one of the following Boards - the New York Board, theNorth American County Board, the Canadian Board or the Australasian Board - must obtain an Official Sanction in duplicate, signed by his Club Secretary, the County Secretary and the Director General (or other designated person).
A sanction shall entitle a player to play with a club in either the New York, Canadian or North American Board areas from 1st March to the end of October in any one year.
A Sanction shall not be granted after the 1st July for players intending to play in the Canadian Board or the North American County Boardareas, or after the 20th July forplayers intending to play in the New York area.
In the case of a player intending to play in the Australasian Board area a sanction shall be for a twelve month period fromthe date of approval in CrokePark.
(c) (i)A player who remains in the NACB or Canadian Board areas shall require an Inter-County transfer to be eligible to play there in competitions in the following year(s).
A player who remains in the Australasian Board area after the expiry of his sanction shall require an Intercounty transfer to continue playing therein competitions.
Section (ii) unchanged.
Penalty : for infringement of Riail 43 : 24 weeks’ suspension.
Ard-Chomhairle
That Rule 34 T.O. 2006 be amended by adding a new sub-paragraph as follows:
(c)(v) Play with his Own Club in Ireland and with a club in his EU country of study or nearest club adjacent to his place of study (includinga College Club if one exists) and vice-versa, provided he is participating in a recognised programme of study in another EU country, or Ireland, of at least six months and he obtains a permit from Central Council.
Such players shall not be excluded from playing for both clubs in their respective Championships or other competitions.
This Rule shall not apply to Irish club players studying in Ireland or Britain.
Maastricht, An Eoraip
10.That Rule 50 Official Guide 2006 be amended to read:-
(50) Subject to the Exception (1) hereunder:
(a)The Annual County Convention shall elect the following Officers of the County Committee, who shall hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual Convention; Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, if desired; Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer if desired; Development Officer, Coaching Officer, Officer for Irish
Language and Culture, Youth Officer and Public Relations Officer.
The maximum period of office for any specific Officership shall be five years.*,
Other than as provided for in Exceptions (1) and (2) below.
(* Note Applicable from County Conventions 2002 for Year 2003).
Exceptions:
(1)Where a CountyCommittee, with the permission of Central Council, has appointed a Secretary for a term in excess of one year, that Officership shall not be subject to Annual Election or to the maximum period of office of five years.
(2)Where a County Bye Law provides that the Treasurer is not subject to the maximum period of office of five years.
Remainder of Rule to remain unaltered.
Rule 58 O.G. 2006 is referred to, but it is not necessary to amend it.
Coiste Chontae Chorcaí
11(a)That Rule 50 T.O. (2006) be amended to read: The Annual Convention shall elect the following officers who shall hold office until the conclusion of the next Annual Convention: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, if desired, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, if desired, Development Officer, Coaching Office, Officer for Irish Language and Culture, Youth Officer, Public Relations Officer and Hurling Officer if desired.
Cill Leabhain, Muineachán
14. Amend Riail 113 (b) T.O. 2006 (Internet Version) to read
(b) (i) A team exceeding the number of substitutions permitted under Rules 2.4 (i) and (ii) Rules of Specification, Playing Rules
(ii) A team exceeding the number of players permitted under Rule 2.1 Rules of Specification, Playing Rules.
Penalty - On a proven Objection – Award of Game to the opposing team or Replay or Fine depending on the circumstances.
On an Inquiry by Committee in Charge – Forfeiture of Game without Award of Game to the opposing team or Replay or Fine depending on the circumstances.
Remainder of rule to remain the same.
Coiste Chontae Uibh Fhaili
18.That Motion 1 (b) – incorporating the changes made to Rule 120 A (ii) – as passed at the Special Congress on October14, 2006 – be amended to read as follows:
An additional All Ireland Championship Qualifier shall be organised as set out below:
Round 1 - This Round shall include all of the Counties which do not qualify for the Provincial Finals – exclusive of the 8/9 lowest ranked teams in the 2008 National Football League. Teams shall compete on a Knockout format based on a Draw. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeat pairings, where feasible)
Round 2 - This Round shall involve the eight winners from Round 1. Teams shall compete on a Knockout format based on a draw. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeat pairings, where feasible)
Round 3 - This Round shall involve the four winners from Round 2. Teams to compete on a Knockout format based on a draw. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeat pairings, where feasible)
All Ireland Preliminary Semi- Finals - The Provincial Championship winners in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster shall play off – on the basis of a rota system - initially determined by Central Council.
All Ireland PreliminaryQuarter – Finals – The defeated Provincial Finalists shall compete on a Knockout format – based on a Draw which reverses the rota system used to determine the Preliminary Semi–Final pairings.
Round 4 – This Round shall involve the two winners from Round 3 and the Winners of the Preliminary Quarter Finals. Teams to compete on a Knockout format based on a draw. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeat pairings, where feasible)
All IrelandQuarter – Finals The losers of the Preliminary Semi Finals shall compete on a knockout format – based on a draw – against the two winners from Round 4 of the All Ireland Qualifier. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeat pairings, where feasible)
All Ireland Football Semi – Finals – The two Winners of the Preliminary Semi- Finals shall compete on a Knockout format – based on a Draw - against the two Quarter Final Winners. (The Draw shall be structured to avoid repeats of the Provincial Final or All Ireland Preliminary Semi Final pairings, if needs be)
Remainder of Rule 120 to remain the same. Other Rules effected – or possibly effected – Rule 71, 82, 85, 89,102, 103, 104, 114, 121,122, 123, 10, 130, 131 and 133.
Comhairle Laighean
23.Existing Riail 138 TO 2007 to be amended to read as follows:
Leagues may be organised on a single or double round basis. The Regulations outlined in Rule 115 in relation to a League part of a Championship shall likewise apply to League Competitions.
Penalty for each unfulfilled Fixture - Award of Game to Opposing Team; Minimum Fine - County €400, Club €100.
(In other words Minimum fine for each unfulfilled Club League fixture to be increased from €40 to €100)
Coiste Chontae Liatroma
24.That Rule 139 Section (c) T.O. 2006 Internet Version, be amended as follows:-
“An Inter-Club Tournament shall be limited to a maximum of eight teams, except as otherwise permitted by the sanctioning body, and sanction must be obtained as follows:
-from a CountyCommittee where teams are from within the county
-from the various County Committees involved, where teams are from more than one County, and in such circumstances the sanction of the Provincial Council or Central Council, as appropriate, must be obtained”.
Remainder of rule to remain the same.
Rules effected : Rules 140, 141 T.O. 2007.
Erin’s Own, Ceatharlach
26.That the following clause become the new clause (v) of Riail 143 (as per Rule Book Task Force Report (3), passed at Congress 2006):
“A member of a Committee may not represent an appellant or claimant in a hearing, appeal ortribunal to contest a decision or proposed decision of that Committee, except to give witness evidence, where permitted by the Chairman of that Committee and the Chairman of the appellatebody.”
[The current clause (v) of Riail 143 to became clause (w), and so on.]
Rules affected – 14, 60 (a), 61, 72, 85, 88, 89, 90, 91, 141, 143, 150, 151, 153
Reason: To avoid ‘conflict of interest’, for the sake of the overall integrity of the disciplinary process of the Association. If a member of a Committee represents an appellant against a decision of his Committee, he gives primary loyalty to a subsidiary unit rather than to the corporate disciplinary body – thus undermining the disciplinary process itself. He may also be privy to confidential committee information on the case under appeal or similar cases. This motion is consistent with the principle of Riail 143 (u), which states that a Unit member or known partisan shall stand down from adjudicating on a case which involves his Unit.
Naomh Pádraig, An Eaglais, Tír Eoghain
PLAYING RULES
28That Rule 1 1.5 (b) (2), Rules of Control, T.O. 2006 (Part 2) be amended to read as follows:
The return to the field of play of the injured (blood) player, but only as a direct replacement for the Temporary Substitute. A substitution other than this will render Rule 1, 1.5 (b) (1) a full substitution.
Éire Óg/Corrachoill, Cill Dara
29.That Rule 1.4 of the Rulesof Control is amended to read as follows:
One Team Official (Maor Foirne who is an assistant to the Bainisteoir) may move alongside the sidelines and enter the field of play during a break in play – through the Substitution Zone - to make changes and/or to give instructions to players.
This named official shall wear a Yellow or Tangerine coloured bib/distinctive top which shall have “MAOR FOIRNE”in clear largeletters. The Committee-in-Charges shall determine and notify the colour to be used by eachMaor Foirne.
The Maor Foirne may not act as a Water Carrier or Hurley Carrier. Selectors are permitted to act as Maor Foirne. The Maor Forine shall not be a listed member of the Team Panel.
A break in play is when the ball has gone out of play following a score or a wide or a stoppage in play called by the Referee for medical attention to an injured player.
The Referee may give his permission to a Team Medical Officer or one
authorised official to enter the Field of Play to examine an injured player.
Other Rules effected – or possibly effected – Rule 1.6 - Field of Play and Rule 1.2 (iv) Rules of Control.
Ard-Chomhairle
30.Provision is made within Riail 82 (d) for Central Council to table emergency motion(s) on the playing Rules at any Congress.
In this context Ard-Chomhairle recommends that Rule 4.3 (1) (Equipment) as set out in the Playing Rules of Hurling and Football 2003 – in so far as it pertains to Sliotars – is amended to read as follows:
The diameter of the sliotar – not including the rim (rib) – shall be between 69 mm. and 72 mm.
The mass of the sliotar shall be between 110 and 120 grams.
The rim (rib) height shall be between 2.0 mm. and 2.8 mm.
The rim (rib) width shall be between 3.6 mm. and 5.4 mm.
The thickness of the leather cover shall be between 1.8 mm. and 2.7 mm. and shall not be laminated with a coating greater than 0.15 mm.
When the sliotar is dropped from a height of 1.8 m onto a steel place [15 cm. x 15 cm. x 1.5 cm.] fixed firmly to a cement floor, the coefficient of restitution (bounce) of the sliotars shall be between 0.522 – 0.576
(When tested, the ball shall not contact the metal plate with the rim/rib).
Sliotars will only be approved for use on the basis of compliance with standards, tests and regulations as set out by Central Council.
Approved sliotars shall carry the G.A.A. mark of approval.
(When the sliotar type is approved the manufacturer/supplier shall not change any of the characteristics of the sliotars type with resubmitting it for testing and shall not use the G.A.A. mark of approval on the sliotars type until the altered/new sliotars passes the prerequisite tests. Where manufactures/suppliers are in breach of this rule and/or any formal agreements signed with G.A.A., the names of those concerned shall be withdrawn from the list of approved manufacturers/suppliers).
Annual testing will be carried out – at an independent and approved test centre – to ensure that sliotars continue to comply with the standards set out by the Central Council.