New match day regulations which include social distancing released

July 10, 2020

A Cavan supporter sits in the dug out before his county's All-Ireland SFC qualifiers round 2 clash against Down at Brewster Park.
©INPHO/John McVitty.

The GAA’s Management Committee has issued a set of new Match Day Regulations to counties which must be implemented when competitive games return from July 17.

Included in them are a designated water break, the exclusion of selectors from the pitch, just nine substitutes in social distanced dugout and no water carriers.

A summary of the proposed changes are:

- Only a maximum of 24 players (starting 15 and nine-panel members) shall be allowed within the pitch enclosure during the playing of the game. Panel members can rotate between inside and outside of the pitch enclosure. As per rule, there is no limit on the size of a club match day panel.

- A maximum of five (football) & seven (hurling) Team Officials shall be allowed within the pitch enclosure during the playing of our games. It is suggested that these should be:

      - One Bainisteoir

      - One Maor Fóirne

      - Two Medics

      - One Club Official

      - Two Maor Caman (Hurling Only)

- Subs and Team officials should be positioned on opposite sides of the pitch to allow for government guidelines around social distancing to be followed.

- The use of Dugouts is discouraged, but they may be used provided the government guidelines around social distancing are followed (currently 2m between each person)

- Maor Uisce (Water Carriers) are not permitted in either Football or Hurling.

- One water break will take place between the 15th & 20thminute in each half at the referee’s discretion.

- Two Maor Caman (Hurley Carriers) are permitted in hurling, but are not allowed to carry water into the players and may enter the field of play only with a replacement hurley when necessary.

- The referee has the authority during the game to send any person in breach of the regulations to the stand/outside the pitch enclosure and such person cannot be replaced.

- Hand sanitisers to be used on entry and exit of the pitch enclosure.

- There will be no handshakes, spitting or nose clearing, and huddles must be socially distanced.


Most Read Stories