Trial matches with new football rules to take place this weekend

The Football Review Committee will present a series of proposed trialled rules later this week following a comprehensive public survey that featured months of research and data collection.

Two points for a 'point' from the new 40-metre arc and four points for a goal are the marquee proposals.

And a number of players from counties who are no longer in contention in the 2024 championship will be asked to participate in matches trialling proposals this week.

The trialled rules will see some of the most radical suggestions that the game has seen start this weekend, with teams having exited the Tailteann Cup playing at venues across the country.

The series starts in Mullingar next Saturday and the trials, called ‘Sandbox Games’ will continue in Claremorris, Portlaoise, Armagh and Limerick well into next month.

In the past, proposed rule changes usually took place in pre-season or colleges' football, but the FRC, chaired by Jim Gavin, didn’t believe that winter trials were the best platform for new proposals.

Instead, the sandbox games will start this weekend and incorporate those notable suggestions such as including four-points for a goal.

Otherwise, games will start with a one vs one throw-in with the other two midfielders retreating behind their 45-metre lines.

They'll trial a few kick-out variations, with all kick-outs taken from the small rectangle, or all kick-outs from the 20-metre line having to go past a new 40-metre arc.

Goalkeepers will only be able to receive possession of the ball in the large rectangle and only if the player playing the ball is also within the large rectangle.

Goalkeepers can also receive possession from a team-mate beyond their 45-metre or 65-metre line.

Interestingly, the FRC will trial both teams