THE BURNOUT issue moves centre stage in the next two months with the decision to declare a closed season for all inter-county activity, including collective training, about to be implemented.

GAA director general Páraic Duffy confirmed yesterday in Melbourne that this had been confirmed in writing to the counties.

"All counties have been written to and told that as of November 1st there are no challenges and no collective training allowed in November and December. This is the first year of that and we wrote to all counties to remind them and we're insisting that this must be the case so that players can get a break for the first time. They can train on their own but there will be no collective training."

Duffy expressed confidence that the measure would not be difficult to enforce and police. He added that penalties for disregarding the new regulations would be soon confirmed. "I think we can (police it). Players, number one - the vast majority of players are delighted to get a break. I think most counties will respect it. I know a lot of team managers are delighted as well. They are glad of the break. I think it will be policed. Obviously if a county is organising sessions we will raise it with the board but we've made it very clear that we will take action on that.

"The proposed penalties will be defined. The letter went out from Coiste Bainistí­ last week and it was agreed that heavy sanctions will be imposed through funding and other penalties.

"There is a management meeting on November 21st which will specify penalties. This is a burnout issue and we're determined for the first time to ensure that players get a rest. The issue here is burnout and getting players a rest and it is based on the debate at Special Congress back in January. The only agenda here is the protection of players."

The director general added he saw no problem with players participating on a recreational basis in other sports during that time, as what players did during the close season was their own business.

GAA president Nickey Brennan reiterated there would be no head-office intervention in the row between the Cork senior hurlers and their management.

"No. There will be no intervention from central level. I can absolutely and categorically assure you of that. This is a local Cork issue and hopefully they can get the matter sorted."