The GAA is constantly looking at potential rule changes, but up until now there have been very few major alterations in hurling.
While Gaelic football has seen the likes of the mark, the black card, and others used in recent years, the small ball has remained relatively untouched. However, that could change in the coming weeks.
A motion is set to go before congress that could see the black card introduced into the sport in an effort to reduce cynical fouling. As has been used in football over the past few months, a player who receives a black card would also be sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.
Some see it as a logical way to curb the cynical fouling that has become a bit of a trend in the sport, but many are not fans of the idea.
Speaking after his side's win over Kilkenny this afternoon, Davy Fitzgerald admitted he does not want to see the black card brought into hurling. He told RTÉ that the game does not need major changes, while he also criticised the GAA for their methods in implementing the 'club month' which takes place in April of each year.
Is Wexford manager Davy Fitz a fan of a potential black card for hurling? #GAA #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/3s6OnpkDpd
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) February 16, 2020
Let's not pass that motion, no matter what the story is. We don't need that. I really hope the delegates don't go near that motion.
I'll give you another example. We give our players back to the clubs for four weeks. Normally I would then go away for a week after that, which the boys love.
We're not allowed do it. Absolutely crazy. You're punishing a county that is giving their players back for four weeks. We don't take them, we give them back for the four weeks.
There's certain things. It needs to be talked out with county managers and county players about what's best. If you're helping your club, you should be rewarded in a certain way, that's what I'm saying.
To answer your question about the black card, the game is pretty good, let it flow, let it go. If something is sinister, blow it. Don't go making many changes.
GAA rules stop inter-county sides going on team holidays during the month of April, regardless of how the players spend their time during the majority of the month.
Both Armagh and Laois each conceded home advantage for one league fixtures in 2019 after being adjudged to have broken this rule.
