Extra after extra-time to be scrapped

THE GAA is on the verge of amending its new provisions on extra-time in early championship matches.

The rule, which came into force for championship matches up to provincial semi-final stages, stipulates that teams level after 70 minutes should play two additional periods of 10 minutes each and two further periods of five minutes if there has still been no winner.

Reservations about the practical effects of this on the championship have prompted Croke Park to consult with Central Council about the possibility of dispensing with the two additional five-minute periods if necessary.

The most significant problem could arise in the context of a double bill, such as Sunday’s at Portlaoise where Longford take on Wicklow and Kildare play Offaly.

Should the first match still be level after 90 minutes, it would mean that the throw-in for the second fixture would be delayed.

“Although the idea was brought in to help clear fixture lists for clubs there is a feeling that the player welfare implications of keeping two teams stuck in their dressingrooms for 15 minutes and more are unacceptable,” according to one senior GAA source.

There is also the question of television rights, as any knock-on effect would cut across broadcast timetables of stations covering matches live.

“That wasn’t a primary consideration,” the source said. “We wouldn’t envisage the situation arising very frequently in that the 80 per cent, maybe more, of games would be settled after the first phase of extra-time.

“It would be a minor inconvenience for TV companies, but could cause a lot of anger amongst managers and players.”

If Central Council agrees, this weekend’s matches will proceed with just 20 minutes of extra-time, if needed. The provision has caused some comment in the run-up to the championship, with Dublin-Meath, Tyrone-Armagh and in hurling Cork-Tipperary all liable to be affected.

Although provincial councils weren’t strictly bound by the extra-time rules, which cover All-Ireland fixtures, all four have bought into them for the season ahead.