Findings of the hurling Expert Advisory Group

The GAA’s Hurling Expert Advisory Group has published its Interim Report.

It follows an extensive period of analysis, consultation and engagement across the game.

A number of proposed rule enhancements will be trialed next month in the Higher Education Fitzgibbon Cup.

There are 24 amendments that are being included in the trials.

They range across a wide variety of elements of the game.

Among the enhancements taking place in the trial are:

• Extend the power of line umpires to provide assistance to referees
• Handpass requires a clear and definite strike with the hand
• Sliotar can be carried for maximum of six steps in the hand
• To use your arms to tie up an opponent is not permitted
• Throw-ins to start a half to be contested by one player off each team in midfield
• Puck outs must travel at least 45 metres. Minimum of three players from each team must remain between 20m and 45m lines for puck outs
• A 65m puck to be taken from the 65m line nearest your own goal
• Two points awarded for a sideline struck cleanly over the bar
• One maor foirne per team to be permitted to enter the field during breaks in play

The EAG is John Meyler. He is joined on the group by  former Kilkenny star Richie Hogan, Galway’s All-Ireland winning under-age manager Jeff Lynskey, former All-Ireland  final referee John Keenan and Hurling Development Committee chairman Terry Reilly.