Coulter urges GAA to consult players

Down star Benny Coulter has urged the GAA to discuss any future rule changes with players prior to implementation.

Coulter, who is gearing up for Sunday’s Ulster SFC quarter-final clash with Donegal, has given his opinion on the rule changes which continue to confuse players and referees on the field.

The Mayobridge club player highlighted the handpass change as a major hindrance to the championship so far this year.

“The blazers in Croke Park are changing rules without proper consultation with the people who matter most in gaelic games – the players themselves,” Coulter said.

“Do they honestly believe that slowing down the handpass will increase the number of kicked passes during a game? I don’t think so.”

Coulter stressed the point that if experienced players were consulted before rule changes were made by the GAA there may be an overall consistency.

“Obviously we all want uniformity and consistency. It’s maybe proving difficult to achieve this but it has to be done for the sake of the game,” insists Coulter.

“I know that there can be no more rule changes for the next five years but I think that in future the players themselves should have some say before decisions are finally taken.”

Down meet Donegal in the Ulster SFC quarter-final this Sunday at 2.00pm in Ballybofey.