Over 130 players came along to the Ferrycarrig Hotel last night for Wexford’s first player forum. The idea of the Player Forum is to give the members their say in running the organisation so players from all Clubs were invited to a forum which was attended by GAA President Liam O’Neill.
The Forum was facilitated by Kieran Leddy from Croke Park, best known as Stadium announcer there on match days.
The discussions were wide ranging and one that sparked much debate was regarding player interaction with referees.
One proposal was for the introduction of a Rugby style approach where only one player would speak to the referee, and that referees would explain (to a point) what decision was about.
Many thoughts on this and a lot to be worked out but overall sense was that it would be a welcome move and would deal with some of the issues that arise during games.
Liam O’Neill in his wrap up suggested perhaps a nominated player from middle section of pitch could be this person. No meat on the bone but an interesting proposal and all about respect for referees and respect back in way of explanation of decisions.
The players views were collected by Croke Park officials and will be taken on board in future policy development. The officials have undertaken to report back on progress in the near future.