REFS PROPOSE TECHNICAL AREAS

Shinty refs have tabled a proposal aimed at making shinty more appealing to television viewers and improving the match view for the paying public at big games. It will also clear the touchlines for television crews.

Ahead of next month's AGM, the Camanachd Association said today that the deadline for submission of proposed amendments to the memorandum, articles of association and rules of play for consideration at the 2012 AGM has now passed.

The association has, however, confirmed that a proposed amendment has been received from the Camanachd Referees Association relating to the field markings during televised semi-finals and finals. It is proposed that technical areas should be marked out for the participating teams. These would sit 0.5m back from the sideline and measure a maximum of eight metres long by four metres deep. Substitutes, support staff and coaches - up to nine in total - would stay within this area unless given permission by the officials to leave. Substitutes could leave to warm up, as long as they don't interfere with the game.

Adding a touch of the killjoy to the proposals, the byelaw 1.1.2 amendment continues: "Whilst in the technical area, everyone is to be seated with the exception of the coach, who will be permitted to stand during the game if necessary."

The proposed amendment to byelaw 1.1.2 has been circulated to clubs and associations for consideration. Counter proposals or amendments should be received by the Camanachd Association not later than 5pm next Friday, March 30.
Finalised papers for this year's AGM will be circulated by April 13, and the meeting itself will be held at 7.30pm on Friday April 27 in the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William.