‘The game needed changes’- Laois GAA referee Seamus Mulhare on GAA rules shake-up

The GAA is set to introduce new rules in 2025, and football referee Seamus Mulhare from The Heath believes they will help move Gaelic Football in the right direction. He has been a referee since 2014 and has broken onto the inter-county referees’ panel in recent years. 

This year's Special Congress saw all 49 motions pass which should change the game of Gaelic Football as we know it. In an interview with the Leinster Express/Laois Live, Mulhare acknowledges that challenges lie ahead but feels the changes are designed to reward skill, open up play, and address long-standing issues in the game.

“I think the game needed changes. They’re designed to open things up, reward skill, and reduce the dominance of packed defences. I think it is a positive step forward for football. Will they solve every issue overnight? Probably not, but they’ll certainly push the game in the right direction, and 2025 is a trial year. So at the end of it, we should know what works and what doesn’t.”

Among the most talked-about changes is the two-point scoring rule from outside the 40m arc, which The Heath native believes will alter how teams approach games and challenge referees in new ways.

“The two-point scoring rule from outside the 40m arc is going to be interesting. It forces teams to rethink their defensive structures and encourages longer-range, skilful scores. For referees, it’s a bit of added pressure. You’ve got to be sure about where that shot was taken from but I think it is worth it for the excitement it’ll bring.” Read more below picture.

6 February 2022; Referee Séamus Mulhare and his officials before the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Final match between Gneeveguilla, Kerry, and Kilmeena, Mayo, at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The new 1v1 throw-in aims to eliminate the jostling and wrestling that often takes place at the start of matches. Mulhare sees this as a positive adjustment.

“It’s a good move. The throw-in is sometimes more of a wrestling match. It is timing and technique over strength now.”

Changes to kick-outs, which must now travel beyond the 40m arc, will put greater focus on the midfield battle.

“Definitely. This might put a real premium on midfield battles, and it’s going to make the game more unpredictable. Which makes it more exciting.”

For goalkeepers, who face new restrictions on passing options, creativity will become essential, according to Mulhare.

“Goalkeepers are going to have to be more creative. They will probably need to stay focused more, as will referees. It will take a few games for everyone to settle into the rhythm of it.”

The ‘solo-and-go’ rule, designed to speed up play, introduces its own set of challenges. Mulhare feels consistency will be crucial to its success.

“The speed of play will ramp up, definitely, and that’s where the challenge is. Consistency is the key here, and that will be difficult at first as we all try and adapt. Education for all referees, players, supporters etc around this is so important.” Read more below picture.

30 November 2024; Referee Séamus Mulhare and his umpires before the AIB Leinster GAA Senior Club Football Championship final match between Cuala of Dublin and Ardee St Mary's of Louth at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The introduction of the 3v3 rule, requiring at least three players to remain in each half of the field, adds complexity but Mulhare expects teams to adapt quickly.

“With good communication between referees, umpires, and linesmen, we can manage it without slowing the game down. But I think that teams will police this themselves after a while. The penalty for breaching it is severe, the penalty is a free kick from the centre point of the offending team’s 20m line, so that should ensure compliance most of the time.”

He also believes stricter penalties for delaying play and dissent which includes moving frees forward by 50m will encourage better discipline.

“They’ll adapt quickly when they see how costly dissent can be. A free that gets moved forward by 50m could hand a team a crucial score. It’s a steep penalty, but it’s long overdue, and over time, I think it’ll change the culture around how referees are treated. But, referees have responsibility here too. We have to be consistent and use it only when necessary, and have a certain tolerance around how players and management react in big game moments.” Read more below picture.

17 October 2020; Emmet Carolan of Louth is shown a red card by referee Seamus Mulhare during the Allianz Football League Division 3 Round 6 match between Cork and Louth at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

One of the most significant cultural changes is restricting decision queries to team captains only, which mirrors rugby’s approach. Mulhare believes it will work but says it will take time for players to adjust. 

“Rugby do this very well. But GAA referees, especially at a high level, would pride ourselves on our communication skills with players, so it will be a big change. As for enforcing it, it’s just about being firm and reminding the players of the rule. But, again, it is going to take time.”

The use of a public clock and hooter for timekeeping, similar to Ladies' Football, has been welcomed by Mulhare as a significant improvement. 

“I think it is a brilliant idea. It takes the guesswork out of timekeeping and keeps everything transparent for players and supporters. Plus, it’s one less thing for us to worry about when the pressure’s on in a tight match.”

As referees prepare for the upcoming changes, the 2024 Leinster Senior Club final referee sheds light on the extensive work happening behind the scenes to ensure smooth implementation.

“By the time the league rolls around, we’ll be well-prepared to handle whatever the game throws at us I am sure. We referee what is in the rule book. That is changing significantly for us, and there will certainly be mistakes as we all adapt. But I think the vast majority know these are for the greater good of the game. What doesn’t work will be removed at the end of next season. Read more below picture.

28 April 2022; Referee Seamus Mulhare, centre, with his officials, from left, John Langton, Seamus Lalor, Conny Dunne and Ger Keane before the EirGrid Leinster GAA Football U20 Championship Final match between Dublin and Kildare at MW Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise, Laois. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

“For the national panel of referees, we met with the FRC earlier in the year. We had another lengthy meeting with Jim Gavin a month ago. We had our most recent meeting with Jim on Toy Show night. So there is work getting done behind the scenes. I just hope club referees get time and effort put into them. It is going to be very difficult I feel at club level in the coming year for referees. I would encourage supporters to be understanding of what is involved in trying to change and adapt for club referees.”

On the possibility of resistance from players or coaches, Mulhare believes initial pushback is inevitable but will fade as the benefits become clear.

“There’s always pushback when changes come, that’s natural. But once players and coaches see the benefits of these rules, I think they’ll be happy with them.”

Finally, reflecting on the feedback referees provided during trials and discussions, Mulhare credited the FRC for its efforts. 

“We highlighted certain things to Jim Gavin and the FRC. I think their body of work has been extensive and I think to their credit they have tried to bring all stakeholders along throughout the process. I am sure certain things have been listened to and perhaps other things have not. But it is almost an impossible task to keep all parties happy with something like this. That is why 2025 will tell a lot in regards to what happens permanently to the rule book.”