BY ALAN RODGERS

A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM

TOP inter-county stars are to be effectively banned from playing in the United States under a new ruling which has just come into effect.

For the next three years the door is being shut on the high profile exodus of footballers and hurlers to clubs playing under the auspices of the North American Board. The move not to accept registrations from current senior panelists is being introduced on a trial basis until 2010, but could be extended.

But concern about the move has been expressed by Donegal player, Kevin Cassidy, who young players especially benefited immensely from the experience.

A few years ago, he spent time playing in the United States with the Donegal club in Boston. He says there are benefits to the experience which should not be overlooked.

"Any young player who gets the chance to go over to America will benefit greatly from the experience. They're getting to see a whole different outlook on life, while at the same time playing some football," he said.

"We have to remember that people over there are doing a lot to promote the GAA as well. It's important that we don't under-estimate the benefits of these trips. Players represent their clubs for a long number of years and it shouldn't be too much to ask to get one year away. I know that they will be disappointed, but when I was definitely re-energised when I returned," he added.

Cassidy is calling for the return of the policy of weekend sanctions. He added that the American clubs work hard to enhance the experience of the young players.

"I was definitely well looked after in terms of my overall welfare. It's easy to dismiss these trips, but it's a short-term thing and it's disappointing if they are being curtailed."

GAA Director General, Paraic Duffy, told Gaelic Life yesterday that the decision was taken in a bid to ease the concerns of clubs in Ireland.

"What we have been seeing is a situation where clubs were being left without their main county players after a defeat in the championship," he said.

"There have been a lot of complaints about this during the past few years. The problem has left many clubs high and dry and this is a move that I support. It is aimed at protecting our clubs by ensuring that they do not lose their main players at an important time of the year. This move has been taken on the prompting of the NACB," he added.

Clubs and county boards were this week asked by the Ard-Stiurthoir to draw the attention of county players who may be seeking a sanction to play in the North America Board in 2008.

The ruling means that no member of an inter-county senior panel, who has competed at senior level in the hurling or football championships, will be accepted as a member of any club under the jurisdiction of the North America Board.

In the past few years players such as Paddy Cunningham of Antrim, Cork's Brendan Jer O'Sullivan and Daithi Regan of Meath, Seanie Johnston of Cavan, Martin O'Rourke and Paddy McKeever of Armagh, Derry players Ciaran Mullan and Joe O'Kane and Sean Cavanagh and Stephen O'Neill of Tyrone.

However, a number of exemptions are in place and they include players who are students. The ruling does not include Minor or U-21 county panelists.

"This ruling was accepted by the GAA as a bye-law of the North American Board, so it is official," he continued.

"But it is also important to point out that it doesn't stop any player from travelling to America and will not include students who hold the relevant documents. Basically what it means in effect is that the NACB will not register a player who has represented his county in the senior championship."

GAA bye-laws member, James Treacy, said the steps had been taken by the NACB who were concerned at the negative publicity which surrounded the view that the top players were being poached.

"This does not apply to players who may have taken part in the National League and then left the panel. Obviously, there is no guarantee that this will be extended because a rule can be changed at Congress," he said.