Preview: New rules explained for Leitrim vs Laois (Allianz Football League Division 3 Round 1)
Written by Laois PR Team
The Laois senior footballers will play their 1st competitive game under the new set of gaelic football rules, this Saturday (January 25th) at 2.30pm, when they travel to Pairc Seán Uí Eslín in Ballinamore to face Leitrim in the opening game of the 2025 Division 3 campaign.
The new rules are explained in detail below.
Tickets can be purchased both online and in person using the following options below.
Tickets can be purchased online here: (Please note: a child ticket for persons under 16 will cost 5 euros due to capacity restrictions imposed on the venue) : https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/fblaoisleague
Tickets can be purchased in person via selected participating SuperValu stores:
SuperValu Stradbally
Breslin’s SuperValu Rathdowney
McConville’s SuperValu Mountmellick
McLoughlin’s SuperValu Portarlington
Mulhall’s SuperValu Portlaoise
SuperValu Abbeyleix
SuperValu Parkside Portlaoise.
Follow live match scores and updates on our official CLG Laois Twitter account: @CLGLaois.
Manager Justin McNulty has named the following side to face Leitrim:
Full Panel Announcement & Management:
Full Allianz Football League 2025 Division 3 Fixture List:
The 7 new rule changes explained:
1. The 1 v 1 Throw in:
Before there were 2 sets of players from each team (4 in total) to contest the throw in at 2 v 2. Now there will just be one set: 1 v 1 (2 players in total, 1 from each team). The 2nd midfielder on each team not contesting the throw in, will stand on the sideline facing the players contesting the throw in. For the 2nd half throw in, the non contesting midfielders will swap sidelines.
2. Advanced Mark:
A mark will now be awarded in the following 2 circumstances:
i.) When a player catches a ball clean from the kickout, without it touching the ground, on or past the 45 metre line, nearest the kickout point.
ii.) When a player catches a ball clean from either on or inside the 20 metre arc. Receiving the ball only from a kick from play or from a kick out mark. (Not from a free kick, 45m or sideline kick) delivered by an attacking player who is on or beyond the opposing teams 45m line as he delivers the kick to his team mate who can then call a mark.
3. The goalkeeper back pass:
A goalkeeper can now only receive the ball from a teammate in these 2 circumstances:
i.) When the goalkeeper is inside the large rectangle, and the team mate passing the ball back to him, is outside the large rectangle.
ii.) Beyond the half way line.
4. Kickouts:
There is now a new 40 metre arc that the ball must travel past in a kickout from a goalkeeper. The opposition cannot intercept until the ball is passed this 40 m arc. Players can remain behind the goalie as the kick out is being taken, plus the ball cannot come back directly to the goalie from the receiver of the kickout.
5. Solo and go:
When a player is fouled, and wins a free kick. He now has 2 options: to stop play to take a free kick, or opt to continue play with solo and go. To take a solo and continue on his run.
6. 3 v 3 Structure:
Requires both teams to keep 3 players up in attack and inside each half at all times.
There will not be 15 men behind the ball anymore under this rule.
If a team fails to keep 3 players up, for instance: if the defending team withdraws too many players back, and they fail to keep 3 up in the opposition half then they will concede a free kick on the opposition teams 20 metre line and the same will apply for an attacking team who commits too many players forward, leaving less than 3 players up front.
The option to bring the ball back and go for a free kick outside the 40m arc for a two pointer score also applies in this instance.
3 v 3 explained when a player is sent off/black carded/off the field to receive treatment:
the number of players required to stay up front in this case, can be amended so the team is not at a disadvantage of 3 v 3.
7. The new scoring system:
While a goal remains 3 points. There are changes: A score (from play or from a free) outside the 40 metre arc is now worth 2 points. A score (from play or free) inside the 40 m arc or 20 m arc is worth 1 point. A 45m set piece score will now be worth 2 points. A 2 pointer score will be signalled by the umpires waving a new red flag. With a 1 pointer signalled with a white flag and a goal using the green flag, as seen before.
Other rules to note:
Cynical play:
Deliberately holding up a player has now been upgraded to a black card offence.
Delaying play:
If a player is blocked by the opposition and delayed in taking an awarded free kick or sideline ball: the referee brings the ball up 50 metres forward. However in this instance: if a player was initially fouled outside the 40 m arc before the ball was brought up: he can still opt for a free kick outside the 40 m arc where the foul occurred, for a chance to score a 2 pointer if he chooses.
Dissent:
If a player engages in dissent, he will concede a free kick/solo and go. Plus the referee will also bring the ball forward by 50 metres.
Conceding a free:
A player who concedes a free must retreat immediately. A Player who commits a foul while in possession must hand the ball directly to their nearest opponent on the full and retreat. Failure to do so advances the ball 50m.
There will be zero tolerance to head high challenges.
Melee:
To contribute to a melee (third or subsequent player in with the purpose of NOT removing your teammate) receives a black card.
Team officials:
Misconduct by a Team Official(s) that warrants a Yellow or Red Card results in a free kick on the offending team’s 13m line.
Teams will nominate a designated player (i.e. captain or his deputy) for the purpose of seeking clarification of a decision made by the referee.
Matches will be governed by an official clock in charge of time, which will be controlled by the match referee who can stop and restart the clock by signalling to linesmen.
Clock and hooter system:
The new clock and hooter system will not apply to the Laois vs Leitrim game this Saturday as it will only apply to Division 1 games for the time being. It is expected however, that the clock and hooter system will be implemented into all 4 Divisions by the end of March 2025.
Previous meeting between Laois vs Leitrim in the Allianz Football League:
Division 4 Football Final in Croke Park on March 30th 2024:
Laois: 3-14
Leitrim: 0-9
Scorers:
Laois: Evan O’Carroll 0-6. Paul Kingston 1-2. Eoin Lowry 1-2. Ben Dempsey 1-0. Mark Barry 0-2. Kieran Lillis 0-1. Rioghan Murphy 0-1.
Leitrim: Nevin O’Donnell 0-3. Riordan O’Rourke 0-2. Ryan O’Rourke 0-2. Mark Plunkett 0-1. Barry McNulty 0-1.
Standout Players for Laois:
Eoin Lowry had one of his best games for Laois that day with an incredible work rate in attack, setting up opportunities and scores for his teammates with bursting runs forward, alongside scoring 1-2 from play himself. James Kelly and Seamus Lacey were both excellent defensively throughout, limiting the scoring threat of Leitrims talented forward: Ryan O’Rourke. Seamus Lacey was also very good when he was moved up to play in midfield, winning alot of ball.
