Not sure if this is a topic that has been discussed directly on here before but after a weekend of watching games its definitely on the rise and in my opinion is becoming a major problem. Worryingly it was far more prevalent in the U20 games in both codes. I counted at least 5 frees awarded to Galway on Friday night where a player ducked his head under an opponents hurl or arm and then held on or hit the deck to win a free. Similarily in yesterdays u20 football Galway forwards were hitting the floor with minimal contact not to mention the Dublins corner back attempt to do the same in the last minutes. I'm commenting specifically on Galway because I'm familiar with a lot of the offenders from club games where its nearly worse but I'm sure its happening everywhere. Firstly I'm pretty sure its being coached or at the very least is not discouraged and secondly why do commentators and their analysts never call it even when they have the benefit of replays? I also wonder do referees ever watch games outside of the ones they take charge of themselves as they seem to fall for it every time (its often the same offenders).I would love for once to see a free being awarded in the opposite direction for feigning a foul or injury which as far I know is covered under rule. I know some people will defend it with various excuses but I have to admit I hate it and I think its an awful blight on our games. I also fear that if its left unchecked it will just become the norm as is the case with throwing the ball (in both codes)
Replying To UtahBlaine: "Not sure if this is a topic that has been discussed directly on here before but after a weekend of watching games its definitely on the rise and in my opinion is becoming a major problem. Worryingly it was far more prevalent in the U20 games in both codes. I counted at least 5 frees awarded to Galway on Friday night where a player ducked his head under an opponents hurl or arm and then held on or hit the deck to win a free. Similarily in yesterdays u20 football Galway forwards were hitting the floor with minimal contact not to mention the Dublins corner back attempt to do the same in the last minutes. I'm commenting specifically on Galway because I'm familiar with a lot of the offenders from club games where its nearly worse but I'm sure its happening everywhere. Firstly I'm pretty sure its being coached or at the very least is not discouraged and secondly why do commentators and their analysts never call it even when they have the benefit of replays? I also wonder do referees ever watch games outside of the ones they take charge of themselves as they seem to fall for it every time (its often the same offenders).I would love for once to see a free being awarded in the opposite direction for feigning a foul or injury which as far I know is covered under rule. I know some people will defend it with various excuses but I have to admit I hate it and I think its an awful blight on our games. I also fear that if its left unchecked it will just become the norm as is the case with throwing the ball (in both codes)"
You forgot to mention feigning injury,, I feel that pundits are perhaps afraid to bring it up as some traditionalists like to perpetuate the myth that GAA players don't do that type of thing. Forget about the refs,, I don't mean to sound harsh,, refs are essential to our games avd do a thankless job,, but God love them most of them are easily fooled by clever players. Once teams started to abide by the win at all costs philosophy this was inevitable.
Replying To UtahBlaine: "Not sure if this is a topic that has been discussed directly on here before but after a weekend of watching games its definitely on the rise and in my opinion is becoming a major problem. Worryingly it was far more prevalent in the U20 games in both codes. I counted at least 5 frees awarded to Galway on Friday night where a player ducked his head under an opponents hurl or arm and then held on or hit the deck to win a free. Similarily in yesterdays u20 football Galway forwards were hitting the floor with minimal contact not to mention the Dublins corner back attempt to do the same in the last minutes. I'm commenting specifically on Galway because I'm familiar with a lot of the offenders from club games where its nearly worse but I'm sure its happening everywhere. Firstly I'm pretty sure its being coached or at the very least is not discouraged and secondly why do commentators and their analysts never call it even when they have the benefit of replays? I also wonder do referees ever watch games outside of the ones they take charge of themselves as they seem to fall for it every time (its often the same offenders).I would love for once to see a free being awarded in the opposite direction for feigning a foul or injury which as far I know is covered under rule. I know some people will defend it with various excuses but I have to admit I hate it and I think its an awful blight on our games. I also fear that if its left unchecked it will just become the norm as is the case with throwing the ball (in both codes)"
Yeah, I also think so. Are the players called for it? If it was played like that, why are the players not called for it? if ever? Also wondering how they could continue the game if that is the case?