New restart rules set to be tested in GAA

The GAA will trial new rules relating to the kick-out, free-kicks, sideline kicks and marks during college football later this year.

The rules will be used in the Higher Education Freshers competitions

The proposed trial rule relating to the kick-out would require it to travel beyond the near 45 yard line before a team-mate of the goalkeeper who kicked it could play the ball.

For free-kicks, sideline kicks and free kicks awarded for a mark, the rules would prohibit players from kicking the ball backwards between the two 20-metre lines.

An alternative rule relating to the handpass will be trialed in hurling, seeking definite striking action by the hand, but also relating to the puckout.

It will require all puckouts to travel past the a team's own 45 yard line.

The trial playing rules can be read in full below.

Proposed Playing Rules for Trialling in Freshers 1 Football and Hurling Competitions 2023

Gaelic Football Playing Rules:

FOOTBALL

1. Kick-Out in Football to Travel Outside the near 45m. Line.

(i) Amend Rule 2.7 (a), Set Play (Football) to read:

"The ball shall travel outside the near 45m. line before being played by another player of the defending team".

(ii) Amend Rule 4.29 -Technical Fouls (Football) to read:

"For another player on the team taking a kick-out to play the ball before it has travelled outside the near 45m line".

Penalty

(i) Cancel kick-out

(ii) Throw-in the ball on defenders' 20m line in front of the scoring space.

2. Prohibition on Playing a Free Kick, Side-line Kick or Free Kick awarded for a Mark backwards between the two 20m.lines.

(i) Amend Rule 2.5 Set Play (Football) by adding:

"A free kick shall not be played backwards between the two 20m lines".

(ii) Amend Rule 2.9 Set Play (Football) by adding after the