For those who have watched quite a bit of top level of Gaelic football over the last couple of years, it is clear that the spectacle on show in those fixtures has deteriorated quite a bit. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that the GAA may be forced to intervene in order to reverse that trend.
While the skill and conditioning levels in the game have perhaps never been higher, that has not always translated to exciting games. In fact, the tactical approach taken by most teams has had a very different effect.
Many sides are now conservative in their approach, packing the defence and then attempting to break at pace when they eventually turnover possession. On the ball, they are often happy to pass it around unchallenged for large periods.
This has turned quite a few GAA fans off of Gaelic football in recent times, something that is only likely to continue unless significant changes are made.
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Peter Canavan feels GAA need to intervene and change Gaelic football
Peter Canavan has spoken in the past about the need for rule changes in Gaelic football, with the former Tyrone man believing that we could now be reaching a tipping point in the sport.
Speaking on RTÉ last weekend, he said that it is clear that the GAA need to act and implement rule changes that will improve the spectacle of the sport moving forward.
I don't think we are in a good place. When I was a player, it use to irk me when I was listening to commentators and they were saying 'football back in the day was a lot better.'
I’m not one to be making rash statements but I think if we don't act now... we’ve had so many poor games at county level and at club level.
Back in the 70s and 80s, you had a lot of poor games but it was down to maybe poor skill level, you had corner-backs who all they could do was mark and get the ball and get rid of it.
Now, the skill level of players has never been better. The quality of football when it is played right is absolutely brilliant but such is the state of play that coaches now can play in a way to make the game really unattractive, if they choose to do that...
I know there was a think-tank appointed a few months back, brilliant people on it, Colm O'Rourke, Kevin McStay, Enda McGinley, Michael Murphy, really good people in the game who know the game inside out.
So I think they are going to collate a lot of information and bring it forward on the back of that I would like to think that there's going to be some meaningful rule changes in the months to come.
It remains to be seen what form those rule changes might take. A number of suggestions have been made in recent months, including a shot clock, limiting the amount of players you can have in your own half, and many others.
Regardless of what laws are eventually brought in, it is clear that the GAA need to act in order to stop Gaelic football becoming an even less appealing product to supporters.
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