Jim Gavin’s new rules sail through at GAA Special Congress

Sweeping victory for FRC proposals

The session was brisk and efficient. In less than 45 minutes, delegates endorsed every motion related to the football rule changes that have been trialed throughout 2025. Most of the motions passed with more than 90% support.

Presentation and low-key role for Gavin

Although Gavin chaired the committee that proposed the reforms, he did not present them. Instead, Liam Keane, chairman of the Standing Committee on Playing Rules, introduced the motions. Gavin maintained a low profile, taking a seat among the media benches as his committee’s work was confirmed.

Scope of the rule changes

The approved rules cover many areas of Gaelic football. They include updates to kickouts, goalkeeper restrictions, tactical fouling, dissent, and the clarification of the two-point rule for deflected efforts. The “mark,” the advantage rule, and new pitch markings also received strong support.

Debate over the clock-hooter system

The only significant debate centered on the clock-hooter system, which will now signal the end of each half. Galway chairman Paul Bellew warned that it might lead to “set-piece” finishes, while Kildare’s Larry Curtin raised concerns about installation costs. Despite the reservations, the motion passed with 67% support, just above the required 60%.

Rule 1.15 change on playing gear

Delegates also passed a key amendment to Rule 1.15 on playing gear. The old rule required all GAA equipment to be made in Ireland. The updated version now specifies that gear must come from a “GAA Licensed Kit Manufacturer.”

Director-General Tom Ryan explained that the change followed legal advice after a 2024 challenge claimed the old rule breached EU competition law. He warned that keeping the rule could have led to fines of up to €50 million or 20% of turnover.

Croke Park’s future oversight

To conclude, GAA President Jarlath Burns confirmed that Croke Park will take a more active role in monitoring county commercial agreements to ensure national consistency.

New Football Rule Motions

Motions 1-5: 1 v 1 throw in passed by 97.5%

Motions 6-13: Kick-out (outside the 40m arc and 20m line) passed by 97.9%

Motions 14-16: Rules concerning the goalkeeper passed by 95.8%

Motions 17-19: 3 up, 4 back passed by 95.9%

Motions 20-21: The mark rules passed by 95.3%

Motions 22-25: Scoring (includes deflected arc efforts as two pointers) passed by 96.3%

Motions 26-29: Delay fouling passed by 93.3%

Motions 30-38: Solo and go passed by 95.9%

Motions 39-40: (Effective from January 1st) - Adding a jersey pull to a denial of a goalscoring opportunity and a black card/penalty passed by 93.5%

Motions 42-43: Third man contribution to a melee passed by 97.3%

Motions 44: Advantage at referee's discretion passed by 96.4%

Motions 45-48: Dissent rule passed by 93.5%

Motions 49-50: Only captains being permitted to speak to the referee passed by 97.5%

Motions 51-53: Pitch markings passed by 97.4%

Motions 55-56: Clock/Hooter system passed by 67%

Motions 57-58: Empowering sideline officials passed by 95.4%