GAELIC GAMES/Match regulation proposals: GAA president Nickey Brennan has denied the revised match regulations for the forthcoming National Leagues represent a climb down by Croke Park in the face of manager discontent. As a result of the changes, a meeting scheduled for last night between representatives of intercounty managers and GAA officials was deemed unnecessary.

At yesterday's media conference in Croke Park, Brennan said the amended proposals were "a good compromise" that wouldn't make a significant difference to the original trial regulations, but had addressed the concerns of managers. "They are enforceable and will improve the situation," he said.

The managers were particularly keen that all selectors would be allowed on to the sideline and all panel members would be allowed warm up on the pitch.

These concerns have been met, all selectors - up to a maximum of four and including the runner - being allowed within the enclosure and players being allowed to warm up, though they must leave the enclosure before the parade and National Anthem.

The trial match regulations have been accordingly amended so that in addition to the originally proposed restrictions - manager, runner, two medics and a county administrator - the additional managers can access the pitch enclosure.

Runners and water carriers are the only non-medical team officials allowed on to the field and may encroach only during breaks in play - to be defined for referees before the National Leagues start, but formulated by Brennan to apply when the ball goes out of play over side or end lines.

Team runners must enter the field through the substitution zone in the centrefield area, but may leave by the nearest point on the sideline in order to save time.

Asked if he would favour the eventual introduction of a complete sideline ban on managers and coaches, Brennan said he was satisfied the new regulations would address the shortcomings caused by crowded sidelines.

"It's one of those traditional things that's important in Gaelic games - the tradition of managers being close to their players to urge the team on. It's not a major issue once the rules are observed."

He also denied there had been a lack of consultation in the process, which had caused the discontent. According to Brennan counties are always consulted.

He said all county secretaries had been contacted by email on November 14th to ascertain their views and those of their county managers. A week later a reminder went out. On December 9th the proposed match regulations were accepted by Central Council, which, the president was at pains to point out, "is made up of representatives from every county in the country".

At that meeting the motion "didn't generate a lot of debate", said Brennan. He added he had been told "there is no question whatsoever of managers threatening to form a group of their own".

Although the new regulations have been passed by the Management Committee they await final ratification by Central Council at its meeting on February 17th.

The rules will be strictly enforced, with punishments handed down for first offences and no warnings given.

Asked whether fines were the most effective deterrent, the GAA director general, Liam Mulvihill, expressed reservations.

"The most effective deterrent is to ban officials from the enclosure. It's not just a question of being hit by a fine."

Mulvihill also pointed out that Brennan was in the unusually well-qualified position of having managed not only county football teams but also county hurling teams: "He wasn't coming from a position of lack of understanding."

Criticism of referees by managers will not be permitted, but managers will be allowed to communicate any views on refereeing performances through their county secretaries.

Among the other initiatives announced yesterday was a ban on journalists operating on the sidelines. This will impact on broadcast coverage of matches, but managers are keen their sideline discussions not be overheard.

Managers have also been asked to assist in the campaign to eliminate indiscipline by being careful in making comments.

"Some managers are trying to defend the indefensible," said Brennan about some reactions to foul play.

It was also requested that players not selected to play for their counties be allowed to line out for their club teams.

"This is happening in many cases," said Brennan, "but we are making it a major consideration."

Managers have also been asked to comply with regulations in releasing team selections.

Amended proposals

Between two and four selectors to be allowed on sideline (originally just one, if designated as the team runner)

Teams to appoint their own water carriers (originally to be independently appointed)

Managers to be allowed patrol the sideline between the 45s (originally confined to front of dugout)

All 30 players including replacements to be allowed warm up on field before match

Regulations to be reviewed at the end of the National Leagues