Shoulder charges allowed as camogie trials rule changes

The Camogie Association will trial a series of significant rule changes with the aim of allowing the game evolve and improve as a spectacle, with shoulder-to-shoulder contact now being permitted.

Trialling of potential changes will aim to enhance the flow of games and heighten skill levels.

These changes, which will be trialled during the upcoming 2023/2024 season in third-level league fixtures, seek to enhance the flow, skill, and fairness of the game while maintaining player safety.

There are six experimental rule changes, including the introduction of a mark for clean catches of a puckout that travels beyond the 45m line.

Goalkeepers will now also have the option to take a quick puckout 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 puckout will be penalised.

To encourage fair and physical play, shoulder-to-shoulder contact will now be permitted. This has been sought after by the players for many years. Aggressive or cynical contact will remain prohibited. Charging into a player, with or without the sliotar, is strictly not allowed.

A clarification has been made to the handpass rule. Players must demonstrate a clear striking action when handpassing the sliotar.

Teams will also have the option to take a sideline puck from either the hand or the ground when the sideline puck is within their own 45-metre line. If the sliotar crosses the sideline outside the 45m line, the sideline must be taken as a ground puck.

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 concussion incident must leave the field of play immediately (once cleared to move from relevant medical professionals) for medical attention.

The changes come following a comprehensive review of the games by the association's Proposed Playing Rules Committee.

This group includes former GAA president Liam O'Neill (chairperson), Aoife Murray (GPA National Executive Committee Secretary & former Cork Camogie player), John Dermody (member of the National Referee Panel) and Louise Keane (Player Welfare & Inclusion Officer at the Camogie Association).