New GAA rules get underway: What is changing in football?

Michael Bolton

This weekend marks the start of the National Football League, as the return of inter-county football gets underway for 2025.

One of the main talking points this season is the introduction of changes to football, aimed at speeding up the game and reducing defensive play.

After years of debate about how the game could be improved, several new rules were introduced by the Football Review Committee and trialed back in October.

While some adjustments were made to the recommendations, a number of new rules were officially approved for implementation in 2025.

So, what can fans expect to see at games this weekend?

Throw-Ins

Only one player from each team will contest throw-ins at the start of each half. The other two midfielders must remain on their defensive side of the halfway line.

Kick-Outs

The kick-out will now be taken from the 20-metre line and must travel beyond the 40-metre arc. Players may position themselves behind the 20-metre line when the goalkeeper takes the kick-out. If an opposition player interferes with the goalkeeper or intercepts the ball within the 40-metre arc, the ball will be moved forward 50 metres.

40-Metre Scoring

Points scored from outside the 40-metre arc will now be worth two points, while points scored from within the 40-metre arc will remain worth one point. Goals will be valued at four points, and converted 45s will continue to be worth one point.

'Solo and Go' Frees

A player who is fouled has the option to continue play by taking a ‘solo and go’ rather than pausing for a free. This option does not have to be taken by the fouled player. For instance, if the fouled player is grounded, they can hand the ball to the nearest teammate, who may then take the ‘solo and go.’

If the fouled player takes the ‘solo and go’ themselves, they are allowed an advantage of four metres (either forward or sideways) during which they cannot be tackled.

Passing to the Goalkeeper

A player may only pass the ball to their goalkeeper if both they and the goalkeeper are inside the large rectangle or if the goalkeeper has advanced beyond their own 65-metre line. The goalkeeper may still move upfield to challenge opposition kick-outs or attempt to intercept a pass.

Three Up and Three Back

Each team must have a minimum of three players inside the opposition’s 65-metre line at all times. Similarly, when defending, teams must keep three outfield players inside their opponent’s 65-metre line, leaving a maximum of 11 players and the goalkeeper to defend.

If a defending player retreats beyond their 65-metre line to give their team a numerical advantage, a free will be awarded to the opposition on the defending team’s 13-metre line.

If a player carries the ball past their own 65-metre line and leaves fewer than three teammates behind, the opposition will be awarded a free at the point where the player crossed the line.

Dissent

Any display of dissent or challenge to a referee’s decision will result in the ball being moved forward 50 metres, up to the opposition’s 13-metre line.

Only the team captain — or a nominated player if the captain is no longer on the pitch — may speak to the referee for clarification on a decision.

A player who concedes a free must hand the ball to their opponent promptly and respectfully. Failure to do so will result in the free being moved forward 50 metres.