Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.
A beginner’s guide to Gaelic football
An increasingly popular sport, Gaelic football is a fascinating watch and is packed full of exciting gameplay. Deeply embedded in Irish culture and tradition, this is one of Ireland’s most played sports with national and international tournaments held every year. If you’ve heard the term more and more recently and have a curiosity to learn about the history and gameplay rules, our blog has you covered. Keep reading as we give you a brief overview of the sport and highlight what you need to know to get started.
What is Gaelic football?
Gaelic football is a traditional Irish game that is played on rectangular fields of grass with a round ball, just like in regular football, but in Gaelic football the ball is controlled using both hands and feet. Of course, the rules and scoring work differently so it isn’t just a case of playing by the same regulations as FA football, but these will be discussed later on in the blog.
When was Gaelic football invented?
This fascinating sport is rooted in Irish history, culture, and tradition and there is no exact date as to when it first came about. Records show that this game has been played by communities in Ireland since the 16th century, but the first codified game wasn’t until 1885 and this was hosted in County Kilkenny after the development of the rules by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884. The rules were then more widely distributed across Ireland in 1887, and the game became more regulated.
What are the rules?
To play Gaelic football there needs to be a rectangular playing field (official guidance states approximately 137 meters long, and 82 meters wide), with two H-shaped goal posts at either side. These goal posts are similar to rugby goals in shape, and the ball can go over it rather as well as under to score points. Matches consist of two 30 minute halves, and each team should have 15 players. Teams can have 15 substitutes, but only 5 can be used per match. The goal is to get the ball behind the crossbar for a point, if the ball is sent over the bar, this equates to one point but if it goes under and into the goal this equals three points. The team with the most points at the end of the match is the winner.
Gaelic football gameplay rules
The rules in Gaelic football are different to that of FA football. A full breakdown of the rules can be found in the official GAA guides, but can be simplified as follows:
- The ball can be carried in the hand for a distance of four steps and can be kicked or hand-passed - but this has to be done in a striking motion (somewhat similar to volleyball) with the hand or fist.
- After every four steps, the ball must be bounced by dropping the ball onto the foot and kicking it back into the hand, but you cannot bounce the ball twice in a row.
- You can ‘solo’ a ball instead of bounce, which means you must drop the ball onto your foot and kick it back up into the hand. Soloing is only done whilst running. There is no limit to the amount of solos that can be done consecutively.
- In male teams, the ball can’t be lifted directly from the ground. This rule does not apply to women’s teams.
- The ball may be kicked from the hands or off the ground at any time.
- Breaking the rules will result in a free-kick to the opposing team.
How do you tackle in Gaelic football?
Gaelic football does allow tackling if done so as stated in the guidelines. For example, players can tackle to gain ball possession but they cannot use dangerous or excessive force. Tackles are usually done by hand, and should be done in a shoulder-to-shoulder position without pushing the player off balance. Additionally, opposing team members cannot be held or pulled down because this will result in a foul. The referee has complete discretion when determining whether an act was a valid tackle or a foul move.
Gaelic football positions
If you are playing or spectating Gaelic football, it will be useful to learn what positions are available. The following list displays the 15 positions of the game (with two midfielders) alongside their Irish name:
- Goalkeeper / Cúl Báire
- Right Corner Back / Lánchúlaí deas
- Fullback / Lánchúlaí láir
- Left Corner Back / Lánchúlaí clé
- Right Half Back / Leathchúlaí deas
- Center Half Back / Leathchúlaí láir
- Left Half Back / Leathchúlaí clé
- Midfield / Lár na páirce
- Right Wing Forward / Leatosaí deas
- Center Half Forward / Leatosaí láir
- Left Wing Forward / Leatosaí clé
- Right Corner Forward / Lántosaí deas
- Full Forward / Lántosaí láir
- Left Corner Forward / Lántosaí clé
If you’re thinking of joining Gaelic football, we’d recommend familiarising yourself with where each of these positions can go and what their role is by watching matches and reading the official rulebook, that way you’ll more easily be able to identify a position that matches your strengths. If you aren’t sure, try to join a beginner’s night so that a qualified coach can place you in a position you’ll feel comfortable in.
Modern Gaelic football
Though still a small sport when compared to options such as rugby, basketball, and football, Gaelic football is most certainly growing in popularity both in and outside of Ireland. In Ireland, the GAA organises competitions for clubs and counties and there are three main competitions:
- The National Gaelic Football League played between counties in Ireland, held every year from February to April.
- Provincial championships which work on a single elimination format and are held from May to July between counties.
- The Irish Gaelic Football Championship is the oldest and most prestigious tournament and is usually held in September.
Outside of Ireland, the GAA also organises competitions in countries such as Argentina, the United States & Canada, and Australia where large amounts of Irish immigration has brought the sport to a more global level. Other committees across all continents will also host regional and national tournaments in the respective countries.
What do you wear for Gaelic football?
Because Gaelic football is a team sport, you will need to have a team kit. This kit is very similar to a regular football kit, consisting of a jersey, shorts, socks, and football boots for both the men’s and women’s teams. Of course, you can choose your own colour scheme if you’re setting up a team, but we’d recommend opting for something that reflects the sport’s Irish roots, such as the Pro Hoop Green & White Kit. This kit can be customised to reflect your player names, numbers, and include logos for sponsorships or crests. It consists of a jersey, padded and breathable socks and the Evolve shorts in green.
If you are joining an existing team, you’ll need to check the kit colours before you order to ensure that you match the rest of your team mates. However, we do stock a wide range of colours in our teamwear collection so you’ll be able to find something suitable if your team can’t provide you with an existing kit.
Get started in Gaelic Football with Avec Sport
Gaelic football is working to become a more equal and inclusive sport, meaning that more and more men’s and women’s teams are popping up across nations. Whilst there are still some differences between the rules for this sport, the kit requirements remain the same. You can find a range of suitable athletic teamwear for men, women, and juniors at Avec Sport, alongside a whole range of accessories including training bibs and team water bottles.