Gaelic Athletic Association
Disciplinary Rules
The tendency for some GAA members to consider going to the courts when they feel unfairly treated will be greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated, through the establishment of a central appeals body and an arbitration system based on a “disputes resolution” code, which is expected to be approved at GAA Congress on April 16.
Under the new rules, any irregularities at normal hearings or appeals can be further appealed to a three-man tribunal whose decision will be final and binding. No serving officer at county, provincial or national level is eligible to serve on the tribunal. The new rules regarding GAA membership lead to the expectation that courts will rule that members have a contract with the GAA to operate in accordance with the procedures outlined in the rules.
Croke Park
The new Hill 16 was opened for the first time to the general public for the All-Ireland club finals on St. Patrick's Day, as development work at GAA headquarters nears a conclusion. The famous terrace now has a capacity of 13,000, and was one of many projects completed during the winter. The GAA is also considering extending the roofing at Croke Park, as well as installing floodlights and another big screen.
Rule 42
A debate about GAA Rule 42 – which bans “foreign” sports in GAA grounds - will take place at this year's annual congress on April 16. At this point, it appears likely that the rule will be temporarily repealed to permit soccer and rugby to use Croke Park as a venue for international fixtures while Lansdowne Road is being rebuilt. The motion to temporarily repeal the rule will pass by a sizable majority, but the problem is that the support of two-thirds of delegates is required for a change, something that is not nearly as certain.
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