New match-ban suspensions explained in detail

IN THE past the GAA has been accused of being somewhat obscure or even secretive when it comes to rule changes – particularly the experimental type – and they’re determined not to let that happen this time.

As a result Croke Park has issued a detailed explanation of the new match-ban suspensions to be introduced on a one-year experimental basis starting with the 2012 Allianz League and then the championship. They’ve included some of the anticipated Frequently Asked Questions to help ensure no one is left uncertain as to how exactly the match bans will work.

Last April’s GAA Congress approved by the overwhelming majority of 92 per cent to introduce the new match-ban suspensions for 2012: if they prove successful, they will be implemented at all levels of football and hurling from 2013 onwards.

Under the system, minimum one- and two-game suspensions will replace the current minimum four- and eight-week suspensions for Category II and III infractions respectively.

However, penalties for Category I, IV and V infractions will remain time-based and in the case of Categories IV and V, applicable across all levels, codes and grades of the association as per existing rule. The new system will see also match bans incurred in the upcoming Allianz Leagues carried over to the championships in 2012, if applicable. Match bans incurred in the championships in 2012 may also be carried over to the Allianz Leagues in 2013, if applicable.

Category II suspensions (attempting to strike, dangerous play, etc) will mean a minimum one-match ban (ie the next game in the Allianz League or senior championship as applicable), with the minimum for a repeat infraction being a two-match ban.

Category III suspensions (striking, stamping, etc) will mean a minimum two-match ban (ie the next two games in the Allianz League or senior championship as applicable), with the minimum for a repeat infraction being a three match ban.

Some of the Frequently Asked Questions are thus outlined as – Q: During this trial period, an under-21 player receives a Cat II suspension (one match) while playing for his county in the Allianz Hurling League.

Suspension: The one-match suspension applies only to the next game in the Allianz Hurling League or senior inter-county championship, as applicable. The player can continue to play for his club, or at under-21 grade for his county or for his county’s footballers.

Q: An intercounty player receives a Cat II (min. four week) or Cat III (min. eight week) suspension while playing for his club.

Suspension: As existing, ie the suspension is only relevant to his club’s games. He can continue to play for his county.

Q: A player receives a repeat Cat II (two-match suspension) in his county’s last game in the senior championship in 2012.

Suspension: The player is ineligible for his county’s first two games in the 2013 Allianz League. The suspension does not affect his participation at club, underage inter-county, intermediate or Junior inter-county, college or Third Levels.

Q: A player receives a Cat IV (12-week suspension) while playing for his county.

Suspension: This suspension – as per the current rules – would apply across all codes and categories. Effectively, the player is ineligible to play for any team for the 12-week duration of his suspension.