So it is clear as we have reached over the halfway point of the 2020 GAA league season,  that the rule changes in Gaelic Football has caused more problems than answers. More than anything refereeing decisions are more in the spotlight than ever before. How can a referee make a decision freely , when there is still so much grey areas at present? The number one rule which is confusing people at the moment is the mark inside the 21 yard line. IFrom a neutral perspective , people seem to think it should be a fielding of a high ball over head. This is clearly not the case at the moment. Take for example on Saturday night in the Dublin vs Donegal league game. Michael Murphy received a pass from 20 meters and caught the ball chest height. He called a mark and had a free shot at goal. How is this fair? Your rewarding a forward and punishing a defender even more. If that had happened 30 yards out the field, a player can get a hand in, a block down. The rule is not being implemented properly. A fielding of a high ball is an art you love to see. By all means this rule should be used in cases where a player jumps hell for leather off the ground and fields the ball. Let’s face it you love to see it. The game has other problems at the minute that needs addressing. The referees need more protecting and less criticism. The game and speed at which it is being played has surpassed anything we have seen, compared to 20 years ago. How can a referee implement the black card for example,  if he can’t see what’s going on? Surely the GAA could use the finances gained to come up with solutions on aiding referees and getting justice for those drag downs, and sledging we constantly see on a weekly basis. These incidents are damaging our games and are being seen by kids who then reinact them at grassroots level. A second  referee has been taked about for sometime is this the solution? Possibly an official on the sideline with a screen could improve things?  He or she may spot decisions which referees miss. This however could cause more confusion which I think frankly the GAA could do without. Time wasting is also something which needs to be looked at where a team is ahead and brings the ball backwards. Honestly for many viewers and supporters alike it can be frustrating to watch. This is something the GAA and its delegates need to address and quickly. Let’s not forget what Gaelic football is. These rule changes we have seen has as Mickey Harte suggests “ turned GAA into Compromised Rules”. Gaelic football needs to be tweaked , but we cannot let its reputation and identity be changed or harnished with. Otherwise the game go off the boil altogether. Their is a reason 82 plus thousand people go to Croke Park on All Ireland final day. As has been said before, improve it but done lose it. stevenkelly775@gmail.com