Council delegates were reviewing rule enhancements presented by the FRC, headed by Jim Gavin, which were publicly trialled last weekend in Croke Park during four inter-provincial matches.
The Council backed all the main enhancements, but made a number of other amendments to the proposed changes, including the removal of a two-point reward for 45s.
A FRC proposal to standardise the square ball rule, meaning players could enter the large rectangle once the ball was kicked, regardless of whether it was in open play or from a free-kick, is also being dropped, following a counter request from referees who were against the move.
In another alteration, two-point score from outside the new arc will be signalled by an orange flag, having previously been flagged by a white followed by a red.
This tweak was agreed when a delegate said that an orange flag was the logical choice to complete the colour set, along with the white for a point and green for a goal, because it would replicate the Irish tricolour.
Motions to recall the pre-season competitions from Cavan and Wicklow were heard but a final decision wasn’t agreed.
Connacht Council had also supported their return, saying that removing the FBD League had resulted in the loss of over €100,000 in income. This would result in a drop in ground rent for the counties to make up for the shortfall.
Should the FRC enhancements be passed at Special Congress on November 30, they will be first trialled in a competitive environment in the National League, as things stand, and then be used in the championship before having a fresh review.
Those in favour of restoring pre-season competitions believe they will offer teams a valuable opportunity to adapt to the changes, if they are passed at Special Congress.
The GPA came out strongly against pre-season competitions in a statement released earlier in the week.
”Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income – as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary – over the health and well-being of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout.
”If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on January 2nd, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from December 7th to as early as November 16th.
“Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup.
“This adjustment would violate the ‘No Contact November’ policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for adequate recovery time to prevent burnout, injury and allow players a guaranteed window to holiday with family, partners and friends.
“Unfortunately, the players’ voice seems to have been disregarded in this proposed motion, raising concerns about attitudes towards player welfare and proper recovery time.”
The GPA also cited the potential impact on third-level players.
“Non-competitive, behind-closed-doors challenge/training games would also be an effective way for players to adapt to rule changes while ensuring their welfare, without requiring an earlier return to training across both codes,” its statement read.
