The advantage could soon lie with the penalty taker in hurling if a proposal by the Hurling 2020 Committee to change the current format is accepted.

The Committee, which is headed up Tipperary's 2010 All-Ireland winning manager Liam Sheedy, is due to make a number of recommendations in the coming weeks and, according to the Irish Examiner, they want penalties to be changed from one forward versus three defenders on the goal-line to one forward versus the goalkeeper.

The Committee is also understood to be in favour of reducing the number of players allowed on the goal-line for close-in frees to just three.

There has been much debate about penalties in hurling since Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash perfected his controversial technique, which saw him gain several yards before striking the ball. It necessitated a change in the rule which forbid players from striking the ball inside the 20-metre line.

However, this proved even more controversial as the success rate for penalities scored has reduced dramatically. During last month's drawn and replayed All-Ireland final, Tipperary had two penalties saved and opted for a point from the third.

The Committee is expected to propose that the new system be trialled during next year's Allianz League.

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