A number of rule changes are to be introduced into camogie, focusing on key areas such as the puck out, the handpass, the sideline puck, the clean catch, rough play and the possibility of concussion substitutes.
The alterations have been proposed by the Playing Rules Committee to promote “a thinking person’s game”, and they are to be trialled in the 2023/24 third level league fixtures with a view to “enhance the flow, skill, and fairness of the game while maintaining player safety,” according to the Camogie Association.
The Proposed Playing Rules Committee of the Camogie Association is pleased to announce a series of potential proposed changes to playing rules which are permitted under rule and are aimed at promoting a "thinking person's game."
Full press release: https://t.co/dbuXzGmrKb pic.twitter.com/7fqqz6lCNS— The Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) October 16, 2023
The modifications will be assessed thereafter, with feedback to be considered before they might be permanently implemented.
Camogie Association President Hilda Breslin says these changes signal “a critical step in making sure that our game adapts and continues to excel in skill, speed and excitement,” and that they “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.”
Rule Changes - The Puck Out
Quick puck outs are to be allowed under these rule changes to camogie , with the option available to a goalkeeper to do so following a wide ball, provided they stay within the small parallelogram.
Players don’t have to be outside the 20m line when this occurs, and should any player deliberately obstruct their path in doing so they will be penalised.
Rule Changes - Rough Play And Dissent
Perhaps the most called for regulation development in this grouping surrounds that of physicality within the game of camogie.
Within these adjustments shoulder to shoulder contact from a side on position is now sanctioned, with aggressive/cynical contact and charging still strictly prohibited.
Alterations To The Handpass Rule
The update to the handpass rule is also one that has been widely suggested over recent years.
A player must now demonstrate a “clear striking action” when handpassing the sliotar now. If they fail to do so an indirect free may be awarded to the opposition team.
Rule Changes - Sideline Puck
Another camogie rule change sees an amendment to the sideline puck within the team’s own 45m line.
It will now be acceptable for players to take the sideline puck from either their hand or the ground, unless the sliotar crosses the sideline outside the 45 m line, in which case it must be taken as a ground puck.
A score from a sideline will still be awarded two points, and no player can be within 10 metres of the taker.
New Clean Catch Rule?
There has also been an establishment of a mark rule for a clean catch past the 45m from a team’s own puck out.
The player who performs it must call the mark by signalling the sliotar above their head, which the referee's whistle will then enact, communicating that they can then either play the indirect free or continue on in their motion.
Concussion Substitute Rule Changes
One of the last rule changes involves the substitute protocol surrounding concussions or suspected concussions.
In this event teams can now make a permanent change in addition to regular substitutions, and will be permitted to make multiple of these throughout a match should it be deemed necessary.
