In collaboration with: UK SEO

Football is considered to be the ultimate team sport. This is true in Italy and many other parts of the world. However, in some parts of Europe, this is not entirely true, particularly in the case of Ireland. This nation probably does not offer this Classic football One of Europe’s major leagues but football here is often referred to as Gaelic sports. Sports are steeped in the island’s tradition and Gaelic football stands out.

Gaelic football is a team sport characterized by fast movements of the players with very elegant actions. Gaelic football combines elements of traditional football with rugby and basketball, resulting in fierce competitions that ignite the passion of many Irish people.

How Gaelic Football Works

In the Gaelic football game, two teams of 15 players each play against each other. The team’s line-up consists of a goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards.

Each team can substitute a maximum of 6 players per game. If the match is tied and goes to extra time, a team may substitute up to 3 players during extra time. This was regardless of whether or not the team used substitutes at the appointed time.

There are eight umpires in a Gaelic football match: the umpire, two linesmen, the pitchside official and four other match officials. The referee controls the game and makes key decisions regarding fouls, timing and any sanctions. The linesman indicates which team touched the ball last when it went off the pitch. Behind each goal are two referees who indicate whether a point or a goal has been scored. The pitchside referee is responsible for substitution and injury time management.

Gaelic football is played on a pitch 145 meters long and 85 meters wide. Each end has a net goal 2.5 m high and 6.5 m wide with 6 m long posts above the crossbar. Each game is divided into two 35-minute halves with a 10-minute interval.

It is played with a slightly smaller ball than the normal ball. Players can carry the ball with their hands, pass it with their hands or fists, or kick it. When a player has the ball in his possession and advances towards the opponent’s goal, he must perform actions every four steps. A dribble on the ground or a pass from one hand to the other.

How to score in Gaelic football

There are two ways to score in Gaelic football: goals and points. A goal is worth three points and the player puts the ball into the net behind the goal under the crossbar. A point is scored when the player passes the ball over the crossbar between two vertical posts (as in rugby). Goals can only be scored by kicking the ball with the foot, points can be scored by hitting the ball with a fist or open hand.

Playing a game

The goal is to score the most goals and points. The game begins with the referee administering a throw-in with two players facing each other.

A team can move the ball up the field using hand passes, kicking and solo runs. A solo run is when a player runs with the ball, taps the ball and bounces the ball off the ground every four steps. This is one of the ways a player can possess the ball. A defender may try to block a shot with his hands. However, he is not allowed to block a kick against an opposing player.

If a foul is committed inside the penalty area, the team is awarded a penalty kick 11 meters from the goal. If a foul occurs outside the penalty area, the team awarded a free kick at the place where the foul occurred. If this method is included in the tournament, extra time will continue if the match is tied. Otherwise the match will result in a draw.

Fouls and irregularities in a Gaelic football match

Fouls are one of the most interesting points as they determine the action and look of this game. There are two types of fouls in Gaelic football: technical and offensive.

Technical errors

● Deliberately throwing the ball out of bounds

● Lift the ball off the ground with your hands (only your feet are allowed)

● Take more than 4 steps with the ball without doing anything with the ball

● Do the same action twice in a row with the ball every 4 steps

● Be offside

Make them aggressive

● Tackle an opposing player

● Bullying or threatening an opponent physically and/or verbally

● Charge an opponent from behind

● Beating the goalkeeper inside a small area

Despite its list of fouls, Gaelic football is a rough sport with plenty of physical contact, action and elegant passing. A technical error usually results in a change of possession without booking. An attacking foul results in a free kick or penalty kick and the referee can decide whether or not to issue a yellow, black or red card for the incident. A player can be ejected from the game with one red card, two black cards (for the team) or two yellow cards.

Some final thoughts

A game of Gaelic football is as exciting as it is fast and furious. It’s a different kind of football to what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean it’s to be despised. In Ireland this football sees its championship in the summer and is very popular. Don’t miss the chance to see a game if you’re vacationing in the country at that time.