It will be a whole new ball game when the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup competition swings into action this weekend.

Not only do the opening matches mark the start of a fresh campaign but the introduction of the Experimental Disciplinary Rules will bring an additional dimension to the tournament.

The dismissal of a player who receives a yellow card - he will be replaced by a substitute - is perhaps the most radical of the rules which will be in operation for the duration of the McKenna Cup and the National League.

The new rules, aimed at curbing what is termed ‘disruptive fouling’, are being brought in primarily to speed up play and to ensure that there is greater continuity of movement in matches.

Several team bosses remain apprehensive, though, preferring instead to reserve judgement until

their teams have had a few games under their belts.

The implementation of the new measures, coming as they do in the immediate aftermath of a barren two-month spell during which county squads were not permitted to train or play matches, will certainly serve to keep everyone on their toes from the outset.

New Derry manager Damian Cassidy, whose team meet Fermanagh at Brewster Park, Enniskillen tomorrow (2.00), is among those who gives a cautious welcome to the rules but, nonetheless, plans to keep his powder dry for the moment - although he has already fired a broadside in relation to the close season!

“Most managers are really only getting 48 hours in which to prepare their teams and, in addition, they must make sure the players are acquainted with what is involved in the new rules overall. That’s quite a tall order,” observes Cassidy.

His sentiments are shared by Armagh boss Peter McDonnell who has even gone so far as to hint that the rules could be ‘exploited’ to some extent.

“With yellow-carded players being substituted, it means that a manager’s quota of replacements

could be used up quite easily. It would be important that the implementation of these experimental rules is monitored very closely,” insists McDonnell

“It is obviously a learning process for us all - managers, players, referees and fans - and while it is expected that there will be teething problems, I would imagine that by the end of the month we will be much more familiar with what is involved overall.”

Croke Park Games Manager Pat Daly has stressed that the new rules are being brought in to make gaelic football in particular a much better spectacle while they should also benefit hurling.

“It is generally recognised that there is far too much disruption caused to games through repeated fouling,” says Daly.

“The time is right, I feel, to take a stand on this and the hope is that these experimental disciplinary rules will help to improve the standard of play and enhance sportsmanship.”

Ulster Council officials are optimistic the new rules will add to the appeal of the Dr McKenna Cup.

“Obviously the proof of the pudding will be in the eating so we will wait and see, what happens ” said Ulster PRO Michael Hasson.