FRC's new rules changes include tweaks to 3v3

Derry boss Paddy Tally said the rule change which enabled an advancing goalkeeper to make it 12v11 situation for the attacking side was "killing the game"

The Football Review Committee (FRC) has recommended making a number of changes to the new playing rules with the most significant alterations concerned with the 3v3 rule.

Under the suggested changes, teams will have to keep at least four players in their half of the field which can include the goalkeeper in addition to also maintaining three players in the opposition half.

Thus if a keeper does venture into the opposition's half, a team-mate will have to drop back to ensure four personnel remain in the team's own half.

Derry manager Paddy Tally had been among those claiming that the new rules gave teams a 12v11 advantage when keepers were advancing into opposition territory.

The stipulation that teams have to maintain three players in the opposition half is aimed at addressing the anomaly which enabled teams that received red and black cards to still be able to pack their defence as they only had to leave two, and in some cases, one player in the opposition half.

The FRC recommendations also include relaxation of the previous 3v3 rule to make allowances for what are termed "unintentional" or marginal breaches of the rule.

The rule will be deemed to have not been broken when players breach it: (a) unintentionally; (b) are within four metres of the halfway line; (c) are not interfering with play; (d) are not interfering with an opponent; and (e) are not gaining an advantage.

A further recommended rule change will mean players who claim a kickout 'mark' can play on immediately and not be challenged for four metres. A breach of this will result in play being brought forward 50 metres for a free or to just outside the 40-metre arc if teams want to attempt a two-point score.

Misconduct for team officials will now cost teams a 20-metre as opposed to 13-metre free with teams again having the option of going for a two-pointer from the edge of the arc.

There is no change to the contentious hooter while kickouts still must go beyond the 40-metre arc.

The FRC's recommended tweaks also have no mention of the kickout rule which caused particularly controversy last weekend in the Armagh v Dublin Division 1 when both keepers were penalised for not taking kickouts within the stipulated 20 seconds.

The GAA's Central Council were originally scheduled to consider the FRC's recommendations on 13 March but this has been brought forward three days to Monday, to enable teams to play under the revised rules in two rounds of Allianz Football League games in advance of the championship.