Rules - The Basics

This section describes the basic rules of the game of hurling. For a complete description of the rules of the game, please visit the GAA online.

About to Strike

Should I Take a Point?

Teams

1. A game of hurling is played by two teams. Each team is comprised of 15 players.
2. The player breakdown is as follows:
   • 1 Goalkeeper
   • 6 Defensive Players
   • 2 Mid-Field Players
   • 6 Offensive Players
3. Players pair up with their opposite marks. Click here to see the layout on the field/pitch

Game Play

1. A game or match usually consists of two halves of 25-35 minutes.
2. The sliothar (ball) cannot be picked up from the ground directly with the hand. The hurley must be used to roll, jab, lift or flick the sliothar into the hand.
3. The sliothar can be caught while in the air or bouncing along the ground.
4. The sliothar can be transferred to the hand at most twice. If the sliothar touches the ground, the count is reset.
5. The sliothar can be hit with the hurley on the ground or in the air.
6. The sliothar can also be kicked or handpassed, using one hand for the entire movement. The sliothar cannot be thrown.
7. The sliothar can be kept in the hand for at most 4 consecutive steps or the length of time to take 4 steps.
8. The sliothar can be balanced on the stick for an unlimited time.

Fouls

1. Touching the sliothar directly with a hand while it is on the ground.
2. Overplaying the sliothar by catching it more than twice with the hand or running for more than four steps while in the hand.
3. Physically challenging a player while the sliothar is not present (off the ball challenge) or by playing in an aggressive and illegial manner.
4. A player may not grab or hold another player's hurley.

Physical Contact

1. Hurling is a physical game and a certain amount of contact is permitted, provided it is in attempting to gain possession of the sliothar.
2. A fair shoulder charge is permitted.

Scoring

1. A point is scored when the sliothar is hit over the crossbar, which is above the goal keeper, and between the goal posts.
2. A goal is scored when the sliothar is hit under the cross bar and into the goal between the goal posts. A goal is worth 3 points.
3. Goals and points can be scored from play or from 'set pieces' such as a free or a side line cut.

Essential Skills

1. Picking up the sliothar via rolling the sliothar with the hurley into the hand (roll lift) or by using the hurley to scoop the sliothar into the hand (jab lift).
2. Balancing and running with the sliothar on the hurley (solo run).
3. Striking the sliothar with the hurley on the ground (ground pull or hurl) and by tossing the sliothar into the air and striking it.
4. Striking the sliothar while moving on the ground or in the air (doubling on the sliothar).
5. Free Taking: Picking the sliothar from the ground and striking it in one movement without handling the sliothar.
6. Sideline cut: Chipping the sliothar from the ground when it goes over a sideline.
7. Fielding the sliothar by catching it in the air.
8. Blocking a shot is when a player uses his/her hurley to prevent another player from stricking the sliothar. This tackle must be done from in front of the stricker as they are tossing the sliothar into the air.
9. 'Hooking' is a skill where a player uses his/her hurley to prevent another player from stricking the sliothar. This is done from behind the stricker and his/her hurley must be intercepted as the stricking motion is taking place.