The below are the major rule changes for the coming inter county season - some changes, such as the countdown clock and hooter have not yet been confirmed to apply to club competitions. 


1 v 1 Throw-in : 

Throw-ins to be between two players with the other two centrefielders positioned on the sideline. 

Kick-Outs : 

Must go beyond the new 40-metre arc. Defending players are not allowed to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper who has taken the restart.

Goalkeeper : 

Cannot receive a pass except from a team-mate in the large rectangle or in the opposition half of the field. 

3/3 Structure : 

The major innovation, which requires teams to have at least three players in each half of play. 

Advanced Mark : 

Awarded for a catch inside the 20m line from a kick outside the 45m. Defender can also be awarded it but the attacker gets the advantage to go for goal, knowing that the original mark remains available if he doesn’t score. 

Scoring : 

Awarding two points for a kick from outside the 40-metre arc. Passed 91-9%

Holding up play by blocking opposition from taking a free or not handing the ball back on concession of a free – to be punished by the free being brought forward 50m. 

Solo & Go : 

Another significant innovation, allowing a player to play on immediately when awarded a free. 

Black Card : 

Adding to the category of black card infractions, any holding up of a player trying to play the ball. 

Fouls : 

Allowing a player to take a free from outside the 40m arc even though a free awarded inside, Also, the third man into a melee gets a black card – unless he is trying to remove a team-mate. 

Advantage : 

Extending the advantage period from five seconds to at the discretion of the referee 

Dissent : 

To be punished by moving the free forward 50m and at under-age level, black carding the player responsible. 

Captain : 

Only a captain or nominated deputy may communicate with the referee. 

Pitch Markings : 

Accommodating the additional markings required for the proposed rule changes. 

Clock & Hooter : 

Introduction of a countdown clock and hooter. The least popular of the proposals but everything is relative. 

Line Umpires : 

Empowering linesmen to bring foul pay and other infractions to the attention of the referee: 

Crossing a Line: 

Defining that both feet must be inside or outside – as appropriate – a particular line.