The Game

The objective of this field game is for one of two teams to score more goals and points, during a match, than the other. A team is composed of 15 players: notionally, one goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards. The field is 154 yards (140 m) long and between 80 to 90m wide, significantly larger than a soccer or rugby pitch. A match lasts 70 minutes, comprising two halves with an interval between them.

Goal scoring is done by players each using a stick to control a ball through their opposing goal posts. The skill of players comes from their ability and speed in controlling the ball. The posts, which are at each end of the field, are "H" posts as in rugby football but with a net under the crossbar as in soccer. The posts are seven yards (6.37 m) apart and the crossbar is seven feet (2.12 m) above the ground. Three points are scored when players control the ball under the crossbar while one point is scored when players control the ball over the crossbar.

The stick, which is also known as a hurley or camán, is made traditionally of Ash wood and is 32-38 inches (81-97 cm) in length with a flat blade opposite its handle. The ball, which is also known as a sliotar, is made of leather and is 2.55 inches (65 mm) in diameter. A good strike with a stick can propel the ball up to 93 mph (150 km per hour) in speed and 262 feet (80 m) in distance.

During a match, players attack their opposing goal and protect their own. When the ball is on the ground, it must be played by striking or lifting it off the ground with a stick into the air where it may be struck again or caught by a player. If the ball is caught, the catching player may not throw it or carry it more than four paces, but is allowed to strike the ball with a stick or hand, or by kicking. The stick's flat blade, which is also known as a bas, may be used to carry the ball while a player controls it, but usually requires great skill. Players may be tackled but not struck with a stick. Accidental collisions between players and equipment do occur and, so a protective helmet and shin guards are recommended, but are not mandatory.