GAA clarifies advantage rule introduced to hurling by congress

One of the new playing rules circulated last week by the GAA on foot of this year's annual congress isn't in fact a motion passed by delegates in February but an interpretation handed down by Central Council.

The rule, which clarifies the advantage rule introduced to hurling by congress, deals with what happens if a player is fouled while taking a shot that ends up as a point. The text of the provision is as follows: "Rule 2.4 and 4.16 – If a defending player(s) fouls before the ball is struck and a goal does not result, the referee shall give the penalty taker/free taker the option of re-taking the penalty puck/free puck or of having a point scored to stand."

The interpretation was recommended by the GAA's Management Committee in response to a query as to what would happen if a player was fouled for a penalty in the act of scoring a point.

It’s an unusual provision in the GAA Official Guide in that it gives an option to the wronged team, something that doesn’t arise elsewhere in the playing rules.

This largely hypothetical set of circumstances isn’t expected to occur frequently in the hurling season.