Laois and Kerry set to be one of the first hurling games to feature new GAA dissent rule

Laois’ Allianz Hurling League Division 2 final clash with Kerry on Saturday will go down in history as being one of the first inter-county games played under the GAA’s new dissent rules.

Throw-in is at 2pm in Laois Hire O’Moore Park, with the game also set to be streamed live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel, but much of the focus in the lead-up has been on the introduction of the new 30-metre advancement for dissent.

The rule change, which comes into effect from March 28 (today) following approval at GAA Congress, is designed to clamp down on players disputing decisions and to give referees clearer authority on the field.

Under the new guidelines, any player who shows dissent towards the referee will see a free moved forward by 30 metres, up to the opposition’s 20-metre line, a significant increase from the previous advancement of 13 metres. The sanction can only be applied once per incident, but continued dissent for the same incident will result in a yellow card.

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The change is expected to have a major impact, particularly in tight contests, where a difficult long-range free could quickly become a routine free in front of the posts. 

The new rules also extend to team management, with those on the sideline now liable to concede a free from their own 20-metre line if they challenge or interfere with match officials. If it happens before the match, at half-time, or before extra-time, the game will begin or restart with that same free.