The Hurling 2020 Committee chaired by Liam Sheedy has launched its report today and it contains 15 proposals.
These are the six most interesting ones which will be put before congress next month.
We knew this already but penalties will likely become one-on-one affairs.
The Hurling 2020 committee proposes that the awarding of a penalty in hurling will result in the penalty taker having to face one defender on the line. The ball can be placed anywhere outside the 20m line but must be struck no closer than 20m. This rule would come in to effect for all hurling competitions for a period of five years until the next Annual Congress where rule changes are heard in 2020.
For 20m frees, no more than three defenders will be allowed on the line.
The Hurling 2020 committee proposes the existing rule be changed to allow for just 3 defenders on the goal line while enshrining in rule that the ball cannot be struck any closer than the 20m line.
The introduction of a rugby-esque advantage rule allowing for play to be called back if no advantage accrues.
The Hurling 2020 committee proposes the following new Advantage Rule to replace Rule 4.36 and Rule 5.35, for implementation in 2015:
“When a foul is committed, the referee may allow the play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage of the offended team. He shall signal that advantage by raising an arm upright and shall allow the advantage to run by maintaining his arm in the upright position for up to five seconds after the foul or for less time if it becomes clear that no advantage has accrued. If he deems no advantage to have accrued, he may subsequently award a free for the foul from where it occurred, (except as provided under Exceptions (v) and (vi) of Rule 2.2). He shall apply any relevant disciplinary action.”
The establishment of a separate hurling referees committee.
Set up a Hurling Referees Sub-Committee at National level from 2015 onwards.
Two yellow cards no longer means a red card, the player can be replaced.
Change to Official Guide 1.2 (ix) (b) - To order off a player who commits a second Cautionable Foul/ Infraction by showing him a second Yellow Card
followed by showing him a Red Card.TO
To order off a player who commits a second Cautionable Foul/Infraction by showing him a second Yellow Card followed by pointing to the sideline to indicate he can no longer take part in the game. Allow a replacement from within the substitutions permitted in Rule 2.4, Rules of Specification.
Squad numbers to be introduced for the Championship allowing better recognition of players on the field.
Allocate squad numbers to each team in the Liam MacCarthy Cup prior to their team’s first game
You can read the full report here.
Also read: Ger Cunningham Supports The New Hurling Penalty Rule
Also read: Paul O’Connell Takes It Upon Himself To Correct BT Sport After Hurling Faux Pas
Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
