CORK GOALKEEPER ANTHONY Nash’s technique in striking frees in hurling has prompted the GAA to propose a rule change ahead of the 2014 season.
Nash, the Allstar winning goalkeeper for the last two years, was a central figure in last summer’s hurling championship with his prowess in scoring goals from frees attracting much debate.
Now the GAA have reacted with a motion being proposed to this year’s Congress that hurlers not be allowed to gain metres when striking a free. The GAA officially released the motions for Congress this morning with number 40 on the agenda concerning free taking technique in hurling.
The motion is being brought forward by the Standing Committee on Playing Rules and will be deliberated at Congress, which takes place on February 22nd-23rd in Croke Park.
The wording of the motion proposes that players be penalised if they ‘advance the ball deliberately from the place at which a free puck, penalty puck or sideline puck is to be struck from’. Referees will be permitted in such instances to cancel the free and throw the ball in between two players instead.
The phrase ‘to be struck from’ has been added to a ruling that already existed in the GAA but is now set to be policed more strictly.
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