A decision will be made on Monday night whether to tweak the way inter-county football games end.
The GAA's Central Competition Controls Committee has proposed to Central Council that games (where the stop-clock or hooters apply) will only end when a ball goes out of play for a score, a wide or a sideline kick.
This would mirror the system currently in play in rugby.
A decision will be taken on this matter when Central Council meets on Monday night.
This tweak – and the 4v3 – were referenced as being on the agenda in a midweek piece on RTE.ie ahead of the six Football Review Committee amendments officially revealed yesterday.
Now it has also emerged that Central Council will consider the CCCC proposal to change the way football games (operated by a stop clock/hooter) are concluded.
The clarification was made in a report issued by the FRC called the Benefit Realisation Framework.
This framework was formed to monitor, track and collect data to allow an assessment if the new rule enhancements translate into real and measurable improvements in line with the Association’s aim that Gaelic Games, and in this instance Gaelic Football, will become the most enjoyable game in the world to play and watch.
"The FRC acknowledges the overwhelmingly positive impact it (clock/hooter system) has had.
"The system has received broad support from key stakeholders, including the National Referees Panel, and has delivered significant benefits, particularly in enhancing clarity and transparency in timekeeping while also addressing concerns regarding time-wasting tactics when a player has been black-carded."
But the FRC also said it had noted and reacted to recent criticism of the system.
Just last weekend Westmeath GAA called for an enhanced hooter system after frantic scenes ensued following their Division 2 defeat by Meath at Cusack Park.
A dramatic, last-gasp Conor Duke goal gave Meath a fourth win on the trot, but many supporters felt the goal was scored after the hooter had sounded.
Jim Gavin’s committee has now stated that it recognises that issues have arisen regarding the conclusion of games.
"The FRC remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the Clock/Hooter system and will continue to monitor its impact to refine and improve its application.
"In this regard, the FRC recommends that Central Council adopt the recent proposal from the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) to end the game as follows: "After the hooter sounds, the end of the first half or full time is signalled by the referee on the next occasion that the ball goes out of play for a score, for a wide or for a sideline kick.
"If a 45 has been awarded but not taken, before the hooter sounds, the free kick can be taken and, if it results in a score, without any other player touching the ball, that score shall be awarded.
"If a penalty has been awarded but not taken, before the hooter sounds, the penalty can be taken, and if it results in a score, that score shall be awarded, provided no one apart from the goalkeeper has touched the ball after the penalty kick has been taken.
"If the ball is already out of play following a score, a wide or for a sideline kick when the hooter sounds, the referee shall signal the end of playing time on the sounding of the hooter."
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.
"Overall, the new rules are working as intended," yesterday’s FRC Benefit Realisation report stated.
"Following a comprehensive review, which included exploring options for potential amendments to most rules, the FRC recommends that the best course of action is, in general, to refrain from making any further rule amendments at this time.
"Instead, the focus should be on continuing to monitor, track, and collect data over the remaining games of the NFL, the senior football championship, and club league and championship games.
"This approach will allow the FRC to gather further insights and ensure that the current rules continue to deliver the desired outcomes with a view to making final recommendations to Special Congress later this year."
