At Croke Park the GAA launched its Training Programme to inform and educate players, referees managers, supporters and members about the new Rules of Football which come into effect on January 1 next.

These include the introduction of the new black card and the introduction of the advantage rule amongst others.

The extensive Training Programme as presented to the national media involves:
1. Video/DVD
2. E-Learning Course
3. Presentation to Referees
4. Handout for Refs

Over the next six weeks, eleven specially trained Referee Tutors will deliver the Training course to football referees in each of the 32 counties, as well as Britain, with all the various resources available to all other International Units.

Central Council recently decided that it is compulsory for all referees to attend the Training Course to be eligible to referee in 2014.

The E-Learning Course and specially commissioned Educational Video are available on www.gaa.ie/ rules and it is hoped that players, administrators, team mangers, referees and supporters would view these resources which are available to all.

All referees and clubs will receive a copy of the DVD over the coming weeks.

Click here for a detailed look at some of the new rules and here for some frequently asked questions, which should be helpful for players, officials and supporters.