The Ultimate Guide to the Rules of Hurling
50 Questions Every Player and Supporter Asks, Answered
Introduction
Hurling is fast, physical, skilful, and steeped in tradition, but its rules are often misunderstood. Whether you are a new supporter, a player coming up through underage, a coach, or simply someone watching from the terrace wondering what the whistle was for, this guide breaks down the rules of hurling in clear, plain language.
All explanations below are based on the Official GAA Playing Rules, written to answer the questions people actually ask online.
1. What are the basic rules of hurling?
Hurling is played between two teams of 15 players. The aim is to score by striking the sliotar over the crossbar for one point or into the net for a goal worth three points. Players may use the hurley and hand to play the ball, but only within strict handling and carrying rules.
2. How long is a hurling match?
At senior inter-county level, a match consists of two halves of 35 minutes. Most club and underage matches are two halves of 30 minutes, unless competition rules state otherwise.
3. How many players are on a hurling team?
Each team has 15 players on the field, including one goalkeeper.
4. How do you score in hurling?
A score is registered by striking the sliotar between the posts. Over the crossbar counts as one point. Under the crossbar and into the net counts as a goal worth three points.
5. What is a goal worth in hurling?
A goal is worth three points.
6. What is a point worth in hurling?
A point is worth one point.
7. How far can you carry the ball in hurling?
A player may take a maximum of four steps while holding the sliotar in the hand.
8. How many steps can you take with the ball?
Four steps, after which the ball must be struck, soloed, or released.
9. Can you throw the ball in hurling?
No. Throwing the ball is not permitted. Any forward throwing action results in a free against the player.
10. Can you pick the ball up off the ground with your hand?
No. The sliotar must be lifted with the hurley. Touching the ball on the ground with the hand is a foul.
11. How many times can you catch the ball?
A player may catch the ball once. After that, it must be played with the hurley or struck away.
12. What is soloing in hurling?
Soloing is the act of balancing the sliotar on the hurley while running, without holding it in the hand.
13. What is a sideline puck?
A sideline puck is awarded when the sliotar crosses the sideline. It is taken from the point where the ball went out of play.
14. Can you score directly from a sideline puck?
No. The sliotar must be touched or played by another player before a score can count.
15. What is a free puck?
A free puck is awarded after a foul or technical infringement and is taken from the spot of the foul or as directed by the referee.
16. What fouls give a free in hurling?
Common fouls include overcarrying, throwing the ball, illegal tackling, tripping, pushing from behind, and dangerous use of the hurley.
17. What is overcarrying?
Overcarrying occurs when a player takes more than four steps while holding the ball.
18. What is overholding?
Overholding happens when a player holds the ball for too long without striking or releasing it.
19. What is a square ball in hurling?
A square ball is awarded when an attacking player enters the small rectangle before the ball arrives and gains an advantage.
20. What is the small square rule?
An attacking player may not be inside the small square before the ball enters during open play or a free.
21. What is legal tackling in hurling?
Legal tackling includes shoulder-to-shoulder contact, hooking the hurley, and blocking the strike, provided it is done fairly and from the correct angle.
22. Can you shoulder in hurling?
Yes, but only shoulder-to-shoulder. Charging from behind or at speed is illegal.
23. Can you trip a player?
No. Tripping is a foul and results in a free.
24. What is illegal use of the hurley?
Striking an opponent, swinging dangerously, or jabbing with the hurley are all illegal.
25. What is a dangerous tackle?
Any tackle that endangers an opponent, including high swings or reckless contact, is considered dangerous play.
26. What protective equipment is mandatory?
All players must wear a helmet with a faceguard.
27. Are helmets compulsory?
Yes, at all levels.
28. What size is a hurling pitch?
A pitch must be between 130 and 145 metres long and 80 to 90 metres wide.
29. What are the goal dimensions?
The posts are 6.5 metres apart with the crossbar 2.5 metres above the ground.
30. How many substitutes are allowed?
Five substitutes are permitted in normal time, unless competition rules specify otherwise.
31. Can a sent-off player be replaced?
No, unless specific competition regulations allow it.
32. What happens if a match ends in a draw?
Depending on the competition, the match may go to extra time, replay, or penalties.
33. What is extra time?
Extra time usually consists of two additional periods, often 10 minutes each, but this varies by competition.
34. What officials are involved in a match?
A referee, two linesmen, and four umpires officiate a hurling match.
35. What does the referee do?
The referee enforces the rules, controls play, awards frees, and keeps time.
36. What do umpires do?
Umpires judge scores, wides, and assist the referee with goalmouth decisions.
37. What is dissent in hurling?
Dissent is any action that questions or challenges a referee’s decision in an unacceptable manner.
38. What penalties exist for dissent?
Sanctions range from a free against the team to a caution or sending off.
39. What is the advantage rule?
The referee may allow play to continue if stopping would disadvantage the offended team.
40. What is the sin bin?
At certain levels, players may be temporarily removed from play for specific fouls.
41. What fouls lead to a yellow card?
Persistent fouling, dissent, and certain reckless tackles.
42. What fouls lead to a red card?
Serious foul play, violent conduct, or denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
43. Can a goalkeeper pick the ball up?
Yes, within the large rectangle.
44. Can a goalkeeper score?
Yes, a goalkeeper may score like any other player.
45. What happens when the ball goes wide?
A puck-out is awarded to the defending team.
46. What is a puck-out?
A restart taken by the goalkeeper after a wide or score.
47. Who takes the puck-out?
The goalkeeper.
48. Can a free be taken quickly?
Yes, provided the ball is stationary and the referee allows it.
49. What happens if the sliotar bursts?
Play is stopped and restarted with a throw-in.
50. Where can you find the official rules of hurling?
In the Official GAA Playing Rules, published annually by the GAA.