The GAA has teed off the countdown to Championship by proposing new match regulations – one of which would allow hurlers to avail of a tee to help them when taking sideline cuts.

Player could now elect to use a tee similar to those used in golf to enable them to take a sideline cut more efficiently.

It is hoped that by making it easier to tee up the sliotar on the sideline it will encourage more players to practice the art and join the ranks of star hurlers like Joe Canning and Austin Gleeson who already excel by striking the sliotar great distances off the ground and regularly score points from sideline pucks.

“The kicking tee has really benefited football and hurling could get a similar lift and it would also preserve a dying art,” said Dr Magadh Ó Fúm of the Skills Review Committee.

It is envisioned the new hurling sideline tee will be trialled soon with a decision on its permanent implementation due for April 1 next year.