Duffy says the motion represents a long-term solution as opposed to another short-term fix, as the GAA bid to reduce the number of top-tier hurling teams from 15 to 13 over the next two years.

"Congress will have the opportunity to adopt a revised All-Ireland Hurling Championship structure that will, I hope, bring some stability to the Hurling Championship for the foreseeable future," he writes.

"The extensive chopping and changing to the structure of the hurling Championship since 1997 is worrying and works against the integrity of the competitions.

"The motion in front of delegates is the fruit of sustained reflection, and it clearly represents a long-term solution, as opposed to another short-term fix."

Duffy adds: "The inclusion of a de facto 'qualifying section' for counties aspiring to reach the Liam MacCarthy Cup standard is an important element of the proposal.

"It will ensure initial competitive games for these aspiring counties against each other, followed by the opportunity for the best of these counties to progress and test themselves against counties long established at this level.

"Over time, it will allow us to determine if the gap between established and aspiring top-tier counties is increasing or decreasing."

The area of discipline is also brought into the spotlight in the report where 'a generally satisfactory year' was, according to Duffy, 'again damaged by unacceptable behaviour at end of season club games'.

Duffy says that reducing the number of people with access to the sideline and more consistent implementation of regulations and bye-laws has been achieved.

But that these regulations must now be legislated for in the rule book for all levels of the Association.

"I addressed this issue at some length in my report to last year's Congress, so there is little value in making the same points again, " he explained.

"In last year's report I suggested that one practical initiative would be to reduce the number of people with access to the sideline during games, and that there was a need for a more consistent implementation of regulations and bye-laws in this regard.

"I am more convinced than ever that we must now legislate for such a restriction and extend the regulations recently adopted by Central Council for all fixtures to all levels of the Association.

"It is deeply frustrating that those involved in scuffles or brawls at games have absolutely no awareness of the damage they do to the GAA.

"That sanctions are later imposed in accordance with our rules does nothing to undo the damage that has been done - the unflattering image of the Association and its members has gained ground as a consequence of stupid and undisciplined behaviour.

"It is important that everyone appreciates that our attempts to reduce the number of people present on the sideline are not intended to hamper backroom teams in the preparation or execution of their duties, but are simply designed to improve the functioning and presentation of our games and to bring the GAA into line with what is internationally accepted practice in all major field sports."

Duffy also expressed his disappointment around the issue of 'sledging' which came to the fore during the Laois-Armagh league clash and the Ulster Club football final, and highlights the 'Respect' initiative when discussing the area of racial abuse which he says is a sad reflection on the Association.

The report also revealed that 1.36 million supporters attended inter-county football and hurling Championship games in 2012.

The upcoming GAA Congress will take place in Derry on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23.