Sport is always adapting and always changing and the Camogie Association has announced a series of rule changes to be trialled next year that could see a major change in how the game is played.
The Proposed Playing Rules Committee consists of a former GAA President, players, referees and officials and they have proposed six rule changes that will take effect during the Electric Ireland Third level Championships getting underway in January and February.
Feedback and assessment of their impact will take place before any permanent implementation.
The proposed changes are as follows:
Rule 1: Quick Puck Out
Goalkeepers will now have the option to take a quick puck out after a wide or a score signalled by the referee. However, the goalkeeper must remain within the small parallelogram. Deliberate obstruction of the goalkeeper’s quick puck out will be penalised. Additionally, players from either team will not be required to be outside the 20-meter line for a quick puck out.
Rule 2: Rough Play and Dissent
To encourage fair and physical play, shoulder-to-shoulder contact will now be permitted. Players will be allowed to tackle opponents using shoulder-to-shoulder contact from a side-on position. However, aggressive or cynical contact will remain prohibited. Charging into a player, with or without the sliotar, is strictly not allowed.
Rule 3: Handpass
A clarification has been made to the handpass rule. Players must demonstrate a clear striking action when handpassing the sliotar. Any violation of this rule will result in a free awarded to the opposing team, with the free being indirect.
Rule 4: Sideline Puck
Teams will have the option to take a side line puck from either the hand or the ground when the sideline puck is within their own 45-meter line. If the sliotar crosses the sideline outside the 45m line, the sideline must be taken as a ground puck. A score from a side line puck from the ground is still rewarded with 2 points. No player must be within 10m of the side line free taker.
Rule 5: Clean Catch
Players can call a Mark from a clean catch past the 45m line from their own team’s puck out only. The player who catches the ball cleanly on or past the 45m line, must immediately call a mark by holding the sliotar in outstretched arm above their head and will be awarded a Mark by the referee, signalled by the referee’s whistle. The player awarded a Mark can choose to take a free (indirect) or play on immediately. If the player takes the free, they must strike it from the hand at the point where the Mark was awarded. If the player chooses to play on, they may not be challenged until they carry the sliotar up to four consecutive steps or make one act of striking or handpassing the sliotar. Players can choose not to call a mark.
Rule 6: Concussion Substitute
In the event of a concussion or suspected concussion, teams can make a permanent concussion substitution in addition to regular substitutions. A player who is concussed or has had a suspected concussive incident must leave the field of play immediately (once cleared to move from relevant medical professionals) for medical attention. The referee has the authority to prevent a player from returning if they believe the player is unfit to play due to concussion. Teams can make multiple concussion substitutions.
“The trialling of the proposed changes to the Camogie playing rules is a critical step in making sure that our game adapts and continues to excel in skill, speed and excitement,” said Camogie Association President Hilda Breslin.
“Recent rule changes have transformed the game of Camogie, showcasing our players skills to the highest level. I am delighted that these potential proposed rule changes will be initially trialled at third-level league fixtures in 2023/2024.”
“We welcome constructive feedback from our players, coaches, match officials, and volunteers and these trials will allow us to consider fully the proposed changes before Congress in April 2024 where playing rule changes will be voted upon.”
