Rules

The pitch is of grass and rectangular, 150 metres long and 80-90 metres wide. There are H-shaped goalposts at each end. The same pitch is used for hurling; the GAA, which organises both sports, decided this to facilitate dual usage.

Teams consist of fifteen players plus up to fifteen substitutes, of which six may be used. Each player is numbered 1-15, starting with the goalkeeper.

The game is played with a round leather ball, similar to a soccer ball, but heavier. It may be kicked or punched, but not thrown. Players must not carry the ball more than four steps unless they kick it to themselves (called soloing) or bounce it; it must not be bounced twice in succession. Players may not pick the ball directly off the ground. During the National League campaign of 2004/5 an experimental rule allowed players to pick the ball from the ground directly from an upright position but not when on their knees or lower.

If the ball goes between the goalposts over the crossbar, a point is scored; below the crossbar, a goal is scored. The goal is guarded by a goalkeeper. One goal is worth three points. Scores are recorded in the format {goal total} - {point total}. For example, the 1991 All-Ireland semi-final finished:

Meath 0-15 Roscommon 1-11.

Thus Meath won "fifteen points to one-eleven" (1-11 being worth 14 points).

The level of tackling allowed is more robust than in soccer, but less than rugby: shoulder-charging is permitted, grappling is not. The rule has attracted criticism as being too vague, producing inconsistent interpretations between different referees.