National Forum

Some Updates On The Football Review

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post


Replying To WanPintWin:  "Steps were prevalent before the new rules. Whatever rules are in has nothing to do with refs not being able to count and applying the rule correctly. I agree that it's an issue, and refs really need to start applying it properly. I heard someone mention after the Cork-Kerry game that Sean O'Shea was fouled anyway. He was pulled back slightly, but only after he had already overcarried. It's almost impossible to tackle someone fairly if they're carrying the ball without playing it for 6+ plus steps.
I'd disagree with you on the lack of tackling because of the new rules. What I've seen is defenders having to improve their 1-on-1 tackling, rather than relying on the comfort of the swarm defence which had become so prevalent.
It's natural that some defenders will be struggling with this, having not had to prioritise it as much for years."
Agree 100% that steps were prevalent before the rule changes.

In fact I argued long and hard that steps were the underlying cause of massed defences, leading in turn to a need to alter the rule changes! It still hasn't been addressed however.

As for the current situation, some refs are being swept along by the need to be positive and let the game flow. Do whatever you like in the interest of the spectacle, including 9 steps if you need them.

I would argue that steps, 2 hops, throwing etc should be a simple turnover of possession or an indirect free, because refs just won't give the call if it will give a score too easy.

Finally, can we all just acknowledge that 'he was being fouled' is no reason or excuse to be allowed take extra steps. You hear it all.the time from the stand and in the studio but it's irrelevant. If a player is fouled and then fouls the ball in advantage, back for the original free lads.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1194 - 25/04/2025 17:38:34    2604273

Link

Replying To GreenandRed:  "Only in one case for me, Mick. If a player kicking for a 2 pointer outside the arc is fouled when kicking for the posts it should be a two point free. Otherwise the man fouling gets rewarded for the foul if the resultant free kick outside the arc is only worth one point."
Just get rid of the 2 pointers altogether… it ridiculous and adds nothing to games other than huge points totals and teams showing no interest in trying to get goals….

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3784 - 25/04/2025 18:03:17    2604278

Link

Replying To ForeverBlue2:  "Just get rid of the 2 pointers altogether… it ridiculous and adds nothing to games other than huge points totals and teams showing no interest in trying to get goals…."
You whingers are never happy.
2 points have been a success.
Look how close games have been recently.
Donegal beat Monaghan handily and Kerry hammer cork if there was no 2 points.
But because there was both games were close and very good.
Hard to please a nation full of begrudgers and crybabies!

eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 130 - 25/04/2025 20:05:25    2604297

Link

Louth got a 2 point free today from a 55 meter free for a Kildare player touching the ball on the ground. The free certainly wasn't clear cut with the player falling under contact and from where I was it was debatable if he fouled the ball. I'm not as good a referee as Brendan Griffin so I'll respect the decision but the rule allowing a 2 point shot for this is wrong.

brianb (Kildare) - Posts: 435 - 27/04/2025 21:09:29    2604775

Link

The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??

PatdeB16 (Dublin) - Posts: 17 - 27/04/2025 22:26:06    2604809

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
He kicked it out over the endline rather than the sideline. So it was a 45. The game only ends with a score, wide or the ball going over the sideline.

CeachtPeile (Cavan) - Posts: 135 - 27/04/2025 22:53:38    2604821

Link

Replying To brianb:  "Louth got a 2 point free today from a 55 meter free for a Kildare player touching the ball on the ground. The free certainly wasn't clear cut with the player falling under contact and from where I was it was debatable if he fouled the ball. I'm not as good a referee as Brendan Griffin so I'll respect the decision but the rule allowing a 2 point shot for this is wrong."
As I have said… get rid of the 2 pointers .. they add nothing only confusion

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3784 - 27/04/2025 22:55:33    2604822

Link

Replying To brianb:  "Louth got a 2 point free today from a 55 meter free for a Kildare player touching the ball on the ground. The free certainly wasn't clear cut with the player falling under contact and from where I was it was debatable if he fouled the ball. I'm not as good a referee as Brendan Griffin so I'll respect the decision but the rule allowing a 2 point shot for this is wrong."
While I'm sympathetic to your last point - I am generally in favour of bringing 'advanced personal foul' frees out from inside the arc for 2-pt attempts.

Without it, a leading team could tactically foul repeatedly near game end, reducing potential two-pointers from play to the one-point free, while burning the clock.
On balance, I support Jim Gavin's stance on this.

omahant (USA) - Posts: 3227 - 27/04/2025 23:08:08    2604827

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
He kicked it over his own line to concede a '45
Turnover possession and play on

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1194 - 27/04/2025 23:38:23    2604838

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
Didn't he concede a 45 which must be taken?

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2274 - 28/04/2025 00:49:00    2604850

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
The issue was he didn't kick it to touch (the sideline), he kicked out over his own end line. So the 45 was allowed. That's my reading of it.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2300 - 28/04/2025 01:10:02    2604851

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
These new rules have everyone confused including referees… half of them are totally ridiculous and just making a laugh out of the game….

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3784 - 28/04/2025 07:04:24    2604858

Link

Replying To PatdeB16:  "The final hooter went in the Kildare v Louth game with Kildare in possession. As far as I was aware the game would then end as soon as the ball went dead. A Louth defender caught the ball and (Rugby Union style) kicked to touch to finish the game. However, the referee ruled that play should continue. Confused??"
Definitely confusing. It was dead if he had kicked it over the sideline. But it went over the endline, so there had to be a 45. Not sure why that's not kicking it dead but a kicking it over the sideline is?

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7927 - 28/04/2025 07:31:12    2604859

Link

Replying To brianb:  "Louth got a 2 point free today from a 55 meter free for a Kildare player touching the ball on the ground. The free certainly wasn't clear cut with the player falling under contact and from where I was it was debatable if he fouled the ball. I'm not as good a referee as Brendan Griffin so I'll respect the decision but the rule allowing a 2 point shot for this is wrong."
Technical fouls should be indirect frees or a simple turnover of possession. It would give a gradient of punishment for infractions and importantly too, it would allow refs to more easily give the marginal calls on steps, throws, handling on the ground in high risk areas of the pitch.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1194 - 28/04/2025 07:41:45    2604861

Link

Replying To GreenandRed:  "Definitely confusing. It was dead if he had kicked it over the sideline. But it went over the endline, so there had to be a 45. Not sure why that's not kicking it dead but a kicking it over the sideline is?"
The rules cant interpret between kicking it out of play cynically to stop a clear scoring opportunity, making a save and pushing it around the post or winning the ball and deciding to kick it out.

Therefore, as the ball crossed the endline off a defending player, it was a 45 and not the end of the attack.

Wether we want the game to end when a shot is taken and deflected wide is a different story.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1349 - 28/04/2025 15:38:48    2605074

Link

Things could change as coaches/ players have more time to get used to the new rules but so far the rule changes have meant a better sport in my opinion.


Keeping players in opponents half is great in most games I've seen, more space.

Kick-outs are great again.

I was expecting way more hammerings than before but this hasn't happened so far. Some parings seem to be closer than was expected.

Games back to being way more up and down the field, great to see.


A few negatives (despite saying overall the game is far better)

I'd worry over time if the solo and go gets far more common in the game as teams get used to it.

Some of the penalties for fouls seem a bit too harsh.

I thought by now we'd see more kicking but at least the hand passing now is more about getting at teams.

Still on the fence on the 2 pointer rule.
I love the more long shots we are seeing in games but think this is more than balanced out in a bad way by how hard it now is to play against a strong wind.
Wind advantage is too important now and it can feel funny when teams swap this advantage between halves.
The reason I'm on the fence about this rule is I'm finding it hard to decide how important this rule change is in the more open game we're seeing or is the keeping players in opponents half automatically going to do this anyway.

Will be interesting to see will the game adapt a bit more as coaches/ players get used to these rules in remainder of the season and will there be more complaints from clubs when things get to county championships?

GreenMan1987 (Meath) - Posts: 66 - 30/04/2025 13:42:23    2605672

Link