Kelly gives green light to yellow cards

Refereeing decisions: GAA president Seán Kelly has defended the more liberal use of yellow cards in the opening rounds of the National Football League.

For the third successive weekend referees dished out yellow cards like invitations to an open party, with 10 players sent off across the four divisions - the majority for a second booking.

Yet Kelly said inconsistency was not the major issue, rather referees were being more vigilant about certain fouls that are being committed. Speaking in Dublin yesterday, coincidentally at the referees of the year awards, Kelly also made it clear referees wouldn't be backing down from that instruction.

"When the season was over last year we sat down with the referees' committee and we looked back over a lot of videos," said Kelly. "Arising from those videos it was quite clear there were a number of new fouls, or let's say fouls of a different nature, that have crept into the game but that weren't being penalised.

"Things like players sliding into the ball on the ground, and picking it straight up. And a lot of other things like that. So the referees were told at the start of the year to be consistent on those kinds of things from the very start.

"That would be one of the primary reasons why we are seeing so many more yellow cards. Referees have been told to watch out for fouls which had been going unpunished, and I think they are all singing off the one hymn sheet now. And I think that has made for better games."

Kelly did admit, however, there would always be room to improve the consistency of refereeing decisions. But efforts are being made to improve levels of communication, such as last week's meeting between county managers and referees. As a result four managers were nominated, Dublin's Tommy Lyons and Galway's John O'Mahony from football, and from hurling Galway's Conor Hayes and Offaly's Mike McNamara, to continue discussions on disciplinary matters with the Games Administration Committee.

"The more communication the better," added Kelly, "and again before the championship it would be a good idea to sit down with players and managers and discuss matters. It's something I would welcome in organising."

Among those who have questioned the levels of consistency among referees is Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, who saw his star forward Stephen O'Neill sent off on Sunday for the second time in three weeks. Kelly wasn't unsympathetic.

"If you take an individual case there will always be some concern. But overall I feel it is working out reasonably well. From talking to the managers last week there is no great issue with this, as long as the consistency is going forward.

"I can understand the hard luck on a player like Stephen O'Neill being sent off twice in three games, because I think he is a very clean player. But once you get the first yellow a player is walking on a thin edge."

Kelly presented the 2003 All Star referee awards to Limerick's Pat O'Connor, whose year included another All-Ireland hurling final, and Wexford's Brian White, who officiated at the football final, and at the International Rules games in Australia.

"It is important referees get some recognition," added Kelly. "We hear all the time about the great sacrifices players are making . . . but the referees do the exact same."