evidence: 2.4 Given that the legislation and new offences proposed by the NIO are applicable to Rugby, GAA and football, the AONISC is concerned that the majority of the consultation appears to focus largely on football. The AONISC would strongly contend this and the fact that many of the offences outlined in the proposals are not exclusive to football and may also be relevant to Rugby and GAA. [...] Policy background 10.1 A 19 week policy consultation was conducted from 20th July 2009 until 30th November 2009. The proposals consulted on were for new laws in Northern Ireland to help prevent misbehaviour by fans and spectators at certain major association football, GAA and rugby fixtures. These were designed to support clubs and authorities in the three sports concerned to establish a welcoming, safe environment for all spectators at major events. Their main focus was on tackling and deterring violence and disorder. They complemented the ground safety measures established by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure through the Safety of Sports Grounds (NI) Order 2006. [...] 9.4 In terms of equality impacts, the sports law provision have been screened out as not having an adverse impact on any of the Section 75 categories in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. From the consultation exercises however one specific issue was raised. A view was expressed that football spectators were largely from the Protestant community and would be adversely affected. Our view is that the sports package as a whole addresses each main community sport – GAA, rugby and football – and as such affects all groupings not just one.