A new trial system of match bans will now operate in the Allianz Leagues and the senior inter-county championships for the coming 2012 season.
Under the system, minimum one and two game suspensions will replace the current minimum four and eight-week suspensions for Category Two and Category Three infractions respectively.
However, penalties for Category One, Four and Five infractions will remain time-based. The new system will see match bans incurred in the upcoming Allianz Leagues carried over to the Senior Inter-County Championships in 2012, if applicable.
Match bans incurred in the senior inter-county championships in 2012 may also be carried over to the Allianz Leagues in 2013, if applicable. However, in the current provincial subsidiary competitions, all suspensions incurred will remain time based.
Category Two offences include striking or attempting to strike with arm, elbow, hand or knee, or with a hurley, spitting at opponents, contributing to a melee or using abusive language towards officials.
Suspensions of this nature incurred in the Allianz Leagues and Senior Inter-County Championships in 2012 will carry a minimum of a one-match ban – the next game in the Allianz League or Senior Inter-County Championship as applicable.
Suspensions for Category Three offences – which include striking with force, kicking, stamping, or assaulting officials – in the Allianz Leagues and senior inter-county championships in 2012 will be penalised with a two or three-match ban.
