Willie Barrett: Defined role needed for on-field messengers

Former chair of Croke Park's referees' development committee Willie Barrett says the GAA may have to consider a defined role for management teams to issue tactics and instructions to players in the future.

Barrett suggests considering the possibility of allowing each management team two 'passes' during each half when they can enter the field to communicate with players – but only after receiving clearance from the sideline official on duty.

With the water breaks set to be scrapped this week, and no return imminent for the maor foirne role, coaching and management set-ups will be without a clear and definite window to make tweaks or tactical changes this season.

Former top match official Barrett says, however, that the GAA should study the upcoming Allianz Leagues closely to gauge the situation as the competition unfolds.

"I think that this year management teams may just have to get on without having that platform to make tweaks or changes," he told RTÉ Sport.

"But perhaps the national leagues will show up something – an area or opportunity that could be explored further. I do believe the leagues will be very competitive and management teams will want all tools available to them and communication is important, I accept that.

"On a personal level, I am glad the water breaks are going. They served a purpose and it’s time now to continue the games.

"Managers took advantage of the breaks, and they were entitled to that, but the flow of the game is important too and, from that point of view, I am pleased with water breaks going."

Barrett did state, though, that communication with management teams and players might not be easy – especially with large crowds due in stadiums as the season develops.

"I accept that it will be difficult for