By Michael McMullan

THE intercounty scene is getting ever closer to a conclusion and the second season of football under the new-look rules has been a success.

When we sit back, there are a few tweaks we need to make. I am still not convinced we need the 40-metre kick-out arc.

I think if we made the two-point free for anything outside the 45-metre line it would help. I think we need to get rid of the hooter or at least allow play to continue until the ball goes out of play once it sounds.

As for the rest, we now have a more refreshing version of the game. I don’t think anyone can disagree.

For me, it takes the game back to the most skillful players, and that is the most important thing. Even from a defensive point of view, it has forced a greater focus on coaching the tackle.

If there is one important thing in this regard, referees must be consistent on the steps rule.

If we are going to coach defenders to improve their footwork, keep an eye on the ball and wait for the chance to tackle on the fourth step, then a player in possession should only be allowed to have four steps.

From taking in a host of club league games in recent weeks, it’s so refreshing to see how much the game has changed.

I watched a game last week between Desertmartin and Castledawson. It was days after Derry’s All-Ireland exit and Lachlan Murray was looking on.

His Desertmartin side were eight points up at half-time. They made it nine shortly into the second half. Imagine the extra boost he is going to give them.

A Castledawson goal changed the temperature, but it was their three sweetly struck two-pointers that swung the game even more.

For the goal, mainly right footed goalkeeper Tiernan McOscar poked a kick-out away with his left foot. It meant that Desertmartin could no longer take a chance to cheat with their press.

While I accept that the two-footed goalkeeper is a way of beating an aggressive press, I still feel goalkeepers should be allowed to flourish even more without the 40-metre kick-out arc.

The other element that has changed the shape of the game is the rule to permit a backpass to the goalkeeper.

Again, from my time watching club league games, this amendment has been even more apparent.

Not only does it encourage forwards to squeeze up knowing it will bring value, it encourages coaches to put a greater emphasis on defenders’ skills under pressure.

The teams who are exploiting this rule are ones with corner backs becoming equally comfortable handpassing off either side. At the end of the day, teams with the best players must always be rewarded.

As I said at the top of this column, the intercounty scene has improved no end.

The fact the club scene is following suit is even more of a plus. By and large, county teams always have the best players.

Back in the day, limited club teams were made competitive by managers using defensive tactics to suffocate the life out of opponents.

That’s not the case anymore. Tactics will help but better players iron out far more creases.

At least now, the rule changes have forced coaching teams’ hands. The player with the accurate kick pass to switch the play to work around a shuffling defence is valuable.

Turnovers will always be a key metric. And they should. However, once a team forces one now, they have a chance to open an opponent with one kick pass.

I watched Limavady play Dungiven a few weeks ago. Every time Limavady forced a turnover, the ball was moved with the foot.

It left Dungiven scrambling until they eventually got on top at midfield to wrestle the game back.

When Limavady then had their last chance to win the game, it was one long ball to their dangerman Cormac Quigley that led to an excellent individual goal.

When Dungiven pulled away, it was from getting a handle on breaking ball and also a magnificent overhead catch from Padraig Haran.

The other element of the two-point shot is how the role of the goalkeeper has changed. With the number of balls dropping short, the basics are back in vogue.

Goalkeepers must be comfortable catching above their head or of it needs be punch to safety.

There is more onus on the shot stopper now and if they can add a kick-out with their weaker foot, then it completes the set.

However, the one set of alarm bells that have rang in recent weeks is the unsavoury incidents in a small number of matches. There have been videos circulating of rows at games. This can never be acceptable.

There is tough football and then there is violence. There is a difference.

This is not a new phenomenon but it is the one aspect incoming President Derek Kent needs to address.

There needs to be a zero tolerance move on it.

The first step is to fully enforce a policy to limit the number of non-players inside the pitch enclosure.

I would limit it to a manager or coach, a team official for the purpose of administering substitutions and a medical person. That’s three people.

Allow water and hurley carriers, also wearing clearly marked tops. The same for any subs coming to warmup along the sideline.

Referees then should have the power not to start a game if teams have more hangers-on inside the wire.

This would be a start to clearing up the incidents. I think back to Kerry v Donegal, Galway v Dublin and Meath v Derry.

If there are less non-playing personnel inside the enclosure, it reduces the chance of something spilling over.

At the end of the day, games are about the players and should always be about the players.

The new-look rules have given football a new lease of life. It would be a shame if these improved spectacles are spoiled by people who have no need to be inside the wire.

l Any thoughts – m.mcmullan@gaeliclife.com