A statistical analysis of the 2024 All-Ireland championship has provided the Football Review Committee with much food for thought as they finalise their rule recommendations ahead of November's Special Congress.
The report was presented by Rob Carroll in August and has given the FRC some interesting data to ponder as they look to confirm potential recommendations to add more excitement, kicking, and tempo to the game.
At a media briefing yesterday, FRC chair Jim Gavin outlined how his committee has endeavoured to formulate recommendations that would see increased creativity, kicking, high fielding, long-range points and goal-scoring.
At that briefing, it was highlighted how there hadn’t been a clear shot-on-goal opportunity in the recent All-Ireland final between Armagh and Galway.
And so, based on the above points, Gavin and his committee has worked for the past eight months, ultimately preparing to brief the GAA's Central Council in the coming weeks on the proposals they will present to Special Congress.
The key recommendations are well known by now. They include: three outfield players from both sides staying beyond the 65m line at all times; valuing a goal at four points, two points for a point beyond the 40m arc; and the advanced mark only to apply inside the 20m line.
A one versus one throw-in to start either half, goalkeepers only being able to receive possession in their own large square or in the attacking half of the field and the option of a 'solo and go' when given a free are also on the table.
Yesterday, the possibility of an 'overtime showdown' to replace penalties, and/or extra time was presented.
Potential measures to punish tactical, technical and aggressive fouling were also highlighted at the FRC briefing yesterday, where it was emphasised that the proposed changes were still being debated.
There is no doubt that the latest statistical report undertaken by Rob Carroll (Gaelic Stats) has again revealed the essence of modern Gaelic football and has been a beneficial source of data for the FRC as they prepare their final report.
In total, over 600 games were analysed by Carroll and his report highlights how back-passes to the goalkeeper have more than doubled in the past 13 years, going from an average of 11 per game in the 2011 Championship to almost 23 passes in 2024.
It also showed how the average number of hand passes per game has increased from 251 in 2011 to 450 in this year's Championship.
The increase in foot-passing does not match the increase in hand-passing but despite being on the decrease from 2011 to 2018, it has started to level off at around 130 passes per game.
In 2011, for every foot-pass there were two hand-passes. In 2024 that ratio is 3.4 hand-passes to every foot-pass.
Stats showed that the distribution of foot-pass that travelled forward in 2017 was 74% whereas the 2024 Championship had 60% of passes traveling forward.
With the 12-strong FRC committee charged with recrafting Gaelic football into a more entertaining and enjoyable spectacle, such data has illustrated the need for tweaks and innovation to facilitate more attacking play, creativity and reward basic skills like catching and kicking.
While the FRC proposals percolate further, the return of the inter-provincial series to Croke Park on the weekend of 18/19 October will offer the public a platform to see the committee’s vision of a faster, more creative and adventurous version of Gaelic football.
From there, a final report will be concluded, Central Council will be briefed and Special Congress will vote on any final proposals that are presented on 30 November, with any new rule changes immediately coming into effect for next year’s Allianz Football League and championships.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
