GAA Central Council vote to scrap experimental hand-pass rule
Saturday 19 January 2019 17:17, UK
The GAA Central Council has voted to scrap the trialled hand-pass rule ahead of the National League.
Five rules were proposed for a trial by the Standing Committee on Playing Rules, which were in use in intercounty competitions over the last month.
The other four laws, concerning side-line kicks, sin bins, advanced marks and kick-outs have all been ratified for an extended trial period during the league. They will be used throughout the springtime competition, but will not be in force for this year's championship. There will then be a vote at the 2020 Congress as to whether they will be introduced on a permanent basis.
The limit of three consecutive hand passes sparked a major debate, with many intercounty managers and players alike coming out against the proposal. Meanwhile, there were concerns about the added burden placed on referees to count the number of hand passes in a move, with footage circulating social media in recent weeks of officials struggling with the law during the preseason competitions.
The hand-pass rule will have its final two outings this weekend as the finals of the FBD League and McKenna Cup take place.
