Nine proposed changes to the rules of Gaelic football are set to be trialled in this year’s third-level Division 1 league, with a number of notable tweaks on the agenda.

Among the headline proposals are a ban on fisted points, a limit of three consecutive handpasses, four points for a goal and changes to the kickout rules.

The proposed changes include:

Fisted points would only be allowed when the ball is in flight.

Teams would be restricted to three consecutive handpasses.

Kickouts would only have to travel 13 metres, rather than beyond the 40-metre arc.

Goals would be worth four points.

A new backcourt rule would prevent teams from taking the ball back over their own halfway line.

There are also several smaller changes under consideration. The number of substitutes would increase from five to six, while a mark being impeded would result in a 50-metre advancement.

The 40-metre arc would also be extended to the end line, while advanced frees awarded from 50 metres would be brought forward to the 13-metre line instead of the 20.

The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) is chaired by former Roscommon and Mayo manager Kevin McStay and was established on the recommendation of the Football Review Committee in its 2025 report.

McStay said the group’s role was not to overhaul the game again, but rather to focus on “polishing” and “tweaking” the changes introduced in late 2024.

The EAG also includes David Coldrick, John Tobin, Conor McManus, Maurice Fitzgerald, Pat Doherty, Seamus Kenny and Johnny Bradley.

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