High fielding is something which we have begun to see less of in gaelic football over recent years.
A player catching a high ball over their head is obviously a great sight but the proliferation of short kick outs has meant its demise.
'The Mark', something which we have become familiar with through International Rules, is something which many believe could facilitate high fielding once again becoming a regular occurrence in the game.
Motion 41 put before GAA congress today proposed its introduction and with 68% of the vote, the proposal has passed.
This is what the motion allows for:
When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the 45m line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded ‘a Mark’ by the Referee.
The player awarded a ‘Mark’ shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately.
Aidan O'Shea is undoubtedly one of the great exponents of fielding in the game right now.
However, the Mayo man believes the rule should have been trialled before its introduction.
Good God! ! #GAAcongress16
— Aidan O'Shea (@AIDOXI) February 27, 2016
Could we not trial it first?
— Aidan O'Shea (@AIDOXI) February 27, 2016
The mark was trialled during the league a number of years back. However it was not permanently introduced to the game.
Picture credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE
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