🏑 Understanding the Rules of Hurling: A Complete Q&A Guide.
If you’ve ever watched a game of hurling and wondered what exactly is going on, you’re not alone. Known as the fastest field game in the world, hurling combines lightning skill, physical bravery, and centuries of Irish tradition,but its rules can confuse even seasoned GAA fans.
This guide breaks down every rule of hurling in a simple question-and-answer format, drawn directly from the official GAA rulebook.
We’ll cover everything from:
- How the game is set up, the field, players, time, and scoring
- What counts as a foul (and what doesn’t)
- How goals, frees, and puck-outs really work
- The difference between technical, aggressive, and dissent fouls
- What referees, umpires, and players can and can’t do
So whether you searched “how many steps can you take in hurling,” “what’s a 65,” or “can you handpass a goal in hurling,” this complete breakdown will give you the clearest, most accurate explanation of how the game is played.
Scroll below for the full Rules of Hurling Q&A Edition, covering every section from Game Setup & Scoring right through to Dissent, rewritten in plain English for easy reference and perfect for coaches, players, and fans alike.
🏑 Rules of Hurling – Full Q&A Edition (2025 Official Guide)
⚙️ Game Setup & Scoring
Q: What are the official dimensions of a hurling pitch?
A: The field of play must be rectangular, 130–145m long and 80–90m wide.
Q: Can the pitch be smaller for underage hurling games?
A: Yes, under local bye-laws for Under-15 or younger.
Q: What lines are marked on the field?
A: Lines at 13m, 20m, 45m, and 65m from each end line, parallel to the end line.
Q: What are the goal dimensions?
A: 6.5m apart, 2.5m high crossbar, and 7m or higher posts.
Q: How are the goal areas marked?
A: Two rectangles in front of each goal:
- Small rectangle: 14m × 4.5m
- Large rectangle: 19m × 13m
Q: What other markings exist?
A:
- A 13m semi-circle from the midpoint of the 20m line.
- A Substitution Zone 5m either side of halfway.
Q: How many players are on a hurling team?
A: 15 players, including one goalkeeper.
Q: Can a team start with fewer players?
A: Yes, with 13 players, and others may join later with the referee’s permission.
Q: How many substitutions are allowed?
A:
- 5 during normal time
- 3 more in extra time
- Temporary substitutions allowed for blood or suspected head injury.
Q: How long is a hurling match?
A:
- Most games: 2 × 30 minutes
- Senior inter-county: 2 × 35 minutes
Q: Is time added for stoppages?
A: Yes, for deliberate or incidental delays.
Q: How long is half-time in a hurling game?
A:
- Normal: up to 10 minutes
- Inter-county senior: up to 15 minutes
Q: What is extra time in hurling?
A: Two halves of 10 minutes each; required in some draws or “Winner on the Day” situations.
Q: What gear must players wear?
A: A helmet with facial guard meeting IS:355 safety standards.
Q: What are the official sliotar specifications?
A:
- Diameter 69–72mm
- Weight 110–116g
- Rim height 1.8–2.6mm
- Rim width 3.6–5.4mm
- Leather 1.8–2.7mm thick
All sliotars must have the GAA mark of approval.
Q: What is the scoring system?
A:
- Goal = 3 points (under crossbar)
- Point = 1 point (over crossbar)
Team scores are written as Goals–Points (e.g. 2-15 = 21 points).
🏑 The Play
Q: When is the ball in play?
A: After the referee’s signal and until it goes out of play or is stopped.
Q: How can the ball be struck?
A: With the hurley on the ground, in the air, lifted, or released from the hand.
Q: Can a player run with the ball on the hurley?
A: Yes, balanced or hopping on the hurley.
Q: How many times can a player handle the ball?
A: Catch and play it once; if not caught, may play from hurley to hand twice.
Q: Can the ball touch the ground while in hand?
A: Only if the player has fallen or been knocked down.
Q: How long may a player hold the ball?
A: Maximum four steps or time needed to take four steps.
Q: How can the ball be released from the hand?
A: By striking it with a definite hand action.
Q: Is tackling allowed?
A: Yes, players may tackle for the ball.
Q: When is a shoulder charge legal?
A: When the opponent has the ball, is playing it, or both are moving to play it.
Q: Can a goalkeeper be charged?
A: No, not within the small rectangle. Their puck or pass may be blocked, and incidental contact is allowed.
Q: Can a player go outside the field?
A: Only for a run-up to a puck-out or free.
Q: May a player intercept a free puck?
A: Yes, by holding up hurley or hands.
⚾ Set Plays
Q: How does the game start or restart?
A: With a throw-in by the referee between two players from each side.
Q: What follows a foul?
A: A free or a throw-in, depending on circumstances.
Q: What happens for a foul inside the large rectangle?
A:
- Penalty from the 20m line centre for an aggressive foul.
- Free from the same point for a technical foul.
Q: Foul inside 20m line but outside the large rectangle?
A: Free on the 20m line opposite where the foul occurred.
Q: If a player is fouled after playing the ball and a score results?
A: The score stands.
Q: If no score results?
A: A free from where the foul occurred or from where the ball lands, whichever is better.
Q: What if both players foul together?
A: The referee throws in the ball.
Q: Minimum distance from a free puck?
A: 20m for players other than the taker.
Q: Minimum distance from a throw-in?
A: 13m for non-contestants.
Q: How is a penalty taken?
A:
- Struck from or up to 7m behind the 20m line.
- Keeper on the goal line, others outside the 20m arc.
- If defenders foul early and no goal results, it’s retaken.
Q: How many defenders on a technical free from 20m?
A: Up to five on the goal line.
Q: How far must defenders stand on a 20m free?
A: Minimum 20m from the ball until struck.
Q: How may a free or penalty be struck?
A:
- Lift and strike in one motion.
- Strike from the ground.
Q: If the player fails to lift or strike at the first attempt?
A: Must strike from the ground immediately.
Q: What follows a wide or a score?
A: A puck-out from within the small rectangle.
Q: What are the puck-out rules?
A:
- Taken into the hand.
- May strike more than once before another player touches it.
- All others outside the 20m line.
- Must travel 13m before a defender can play it.
Q: What if defenders hit the ball over their own endline?
A: A 65m free puck is awarded to the opponents.
Q: What happens if the ball crosses the sideline?
A: A sideline puck is awarded where it crossed.
Q: What if both sides play it out together?
A: A throw-in 13m from the line.
Q: What if play is stopped for a serious injury?
A:
- Team in possession: free puck at the spot of stoppage (not inside 20m line).
- Neither in possession: throw-in.
Q: What if the ball hits a non-player?
A: The referee throws in the ball; if from a free, the free is retaken.
🎯 Scores
Q: How is a goal scored?
A: When the ball passes under the crossbar and between the posts.
Q: How is a point scored?
A: When the ball passes over the crossbar and between the posts.
Q: How much is a goal worth?
A: Three points.
Q: Can a player score by carrying the ball over the goal line?
A: No.
Q: Can a player score with the hands?
A: No, not while in possession.
Q: Can a player score by striking the ball in the air with the hands?
A: Yes, if it is struck in flight.
Q: What if someone other than a player prevents a goal?
A: The referee may award the score.
Q: If the posts or crossbar are displaced?
A: The referee awards the score that would have resulted.
Q: What if the goalposts are interfered with during a free or sideline puck?
A: If no score results, the free or sideline puck is retaken.
Q: What if a defender plays the ball through their own goal?
A: It counts as a score.
Q: Can a team score directly from a free after a stoppage for injury?
A: No.
🚫 Technical Fouls
- Overcarrying: Holding or carrying the ball for more than four steps.
- Throwing the ball: Illegal; must be struck with the hand.
- Lifting with knees, lying on the ball, touching the ball on the ground with hands: Not allowed.
- Catching more than twice or releasing and catching again: Foul.
- Dropping or throwing hurley dangerously: Foul.
- Entering small rectangle before the ball: Foul.
- Inside 20m line before puck-out: Foul, results in a free.
- Puck-out outside small rectangle: Cancelled; throw-in on 20m line.
- Defenders encroaching early at penalties/frees: Retake.
- Opponents too close to a free/sideline puck: Move free 13m closer.
- Delaying or interfering with frees/pucks: Foul, ball moved forward or cancelled.
- Double-touching ball after free/puck-out: Not allowed.
- Deliberately leaving the field for advantage: Foul.
- Interfering with goalposts: Caution (yellow); retake or award score if it prevents a goal.
💢 Aggressive Fouls
Category I (Cautionable):
- Pulling down, tripping, rough play, careless use of hurley, throwing hurley, threatening gestures.
Penalty: Yellow card, second = Red card.
Feigning injury or foul: Cautionable offence.
Abusive language to teammates: Cautionable; restart with throw-in.
Holding, pushing, charging from behind/front: Foul; free .
Charging goalkeeper in small rectangle: Foul.
Using hurley to obstruct or strike opponent’s hurley unfairly: Foul.
Category III (Minimal force):
- Striking, kicking, or dangerous behaviour with minimal force.
Penalty: Red card, free .
Category IV (With force or intent):
- Striking, kicking, or dangerous play causing injury or showing intent.
Penalty: Red card, possible suspension.
Category V (Severe or deliberate assault):
- Deliberate striking, kicking, or headbutting with serious intent.
Penalty: Immediate red card, heavy suspension.
Abuse or threat to officials: Red card, further sanction.
🗣️ Dissent
Q: What is dissent?
A: Verbal or physical challenge to a referee’s or official’s authority.
Q: What are examples?
A:
- Arguing with officials.
- Abusive or threatening language.
- Gestures, mocking, or slow hand-clapping.
- Refusing to comply with instructions.
Q: What is the penalty for dissent?
A:
- First offence: Yellow card.
- Second offence: Red card.
- The free may also be advanced 13m.
Q: Can substitutes or team officials commit dissent?
A: Yes, and they may be cautioned or ordered off the pitch enclosure.
Q: Who enforces dissent penalties?
A: The referee, who has full authority before, during, and after the game.
Q: How can teams avoid dissent?
A: By accepting all decisions, avoiding abuse, and maintaining respect for officials.