Motion 41 aka 'The Mark' was passed at GAA congress on Saturday.
It just edged over the two-thirds majority required with a 68% yes vote.
The new rule, which could be introduced for this summer's Championship, allows a player who catches a ball from a kick-out past the 45m - without it touching the ground - to take a mark. He may then take a free kick or play on immediately.
Reaction to its introduction to the game has been mixed.
Many have questioned why it was not first trialled. The mark was trialled a number of years back during the league, though was not permanently introduced to the game.
Are we introducing a mark without a trial??
— Alan Brogan (@alanbrogan13) February 27, 2016
Good God! ! #GAAcongress16
— Aidan O'Shea (@AIDOXI) February 27, 2016
Could we not trial it first?
— Aidan O'Shea (@AIDOXI) February 27, 2016
No trial. Madness.
Law of unintended consequences is ripe here https://t.co/YXE4JHAXN2
— dontfoul (@dontfoul) February 27, 2016
GAA missin the point... The mark won't get rid or reduce defensive football, likely to encourage it, more time for team to "organise "
— anthony masterson (@antomasterson1) February 27, 2016
Mark motion passed in Gaelic football. Joke. Effectively given a free-kick for performing a skill.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) February 27, 2016
@MartyM_RTE why do they keep trying to change the game Marty. It's been fine the way it is for over 100 years.
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) February 27, 2016
@JohnFogartyIrl Mark sounds good in theory but will lead to more congestion around the middle 1/3 and delay tactics by inside forwards on KO
— ian galvin (@IanGalvinNYGAA) February 27, 2016
The #GAA are an interesting bunch. More prudent measures binned, yet fundamental changes to the game introduced without trial. ??
— Anne-Marie Flynn (@thecailinrua) February 27, 2016
A rule to favour bigger players, and the belief that possession in a team sport is a bad thing. Football's in safe hands.
— Mark Gallagher (@bailemg) February 27, 2016
It could be good. But it’s strange that something like this isn’t attempted on a trial basis first.
— Conor Donnelly (@conorjdonnelly) February 27, 2016
The big man gets his chance in the middle of the field!! The introduction of 'the mark' is passed at #gaacongress2016
— Dermot Earley (@dermotearley) February 27, 2016
.@AIDOXI @JohnFogartyIrl may as well have every free taken off the ground again too like the 'good old days'
— Colin Walshe (@cwalshe7) February 27, 2016
The 'mark' was successfully trialled in 2010. Wouldn't be too afraid of this one. Simply helps to promote a key skill #congress2016
— Dick Clerkin (@dickclerkin8) February 27, 2016
So the mark is coming into Gaelic Football. I am not sure how this will impact the game. Will be interesting to say the least!
— Alan O'Mara (@AOMTHECAT) February 27, 2016
The argument for the Mark is to restore the high fielding catch in the middle of the field as it's seen as iconic feature of Gaelic football
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) February 27, 2016
Can't confirm yet when "Mark" will be introduced. Could be in for this years Championship or in January 2017. Will let you all know later.
— Marty Morrissey (@MartyM_RTE) February 27, 2016
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
