Editing Gaelic football (section)

==Rules==

=== Overview ===
Players advance the football up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing, and soloing (dropping the ball and then toe-kicking it upward into the hands). In the game, two types of scores are possible: points and goals. A point is awarded for kicking or hand-passing the ball over the crossbar, signalled by the umpire raising a white flag. A goal is awarded for kicking the ball under the crossbar into the net, signalled by the umpire raising a green flag. Positions in Gaelic football are similar to those in other football codes and comprise one [[Goalkeeper (Gaelic games)|goalkeeper]], six backs, two midfielders, and six forwards, with a variable number of substitutes.

===Playing field===
[[File:Gaelic Football FRC New Markings.png|thumb|Diagram of a Gaelic football pitch since 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=OFFICIAL GUIDE - PART 2 |url=https://www.gaa.ie/api/images/image/upload/t_q-best/prd/c24rgzds0zceyi4w26pv.pdf |website=Gaelic Athletic Association}}</ref>]]
A Gaelic pitch is similar in some respects to a [[rugby football|rugby]] pitch but larger. The grass pitch is rectangular, stretching {{convert|130|-|145|m|yd|sigfig=3|abbr=off}} long and {{convert|80|-|90|m|yd|sigfig=2|abbr=on}} wide. There are H-shaped goalposts at each end, formed by two posts, which are usually {{convert|6|-|7|m|ft|abbr=off}} high, set {{convert|6.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} apart, and connected {{convert|2.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} above the ground by a crossbar. A net extending behind the goal is attached to the crossbar and lower goalposts. The same pitch is used for [[hurling]]; the GAA, which organises both sports, decided this to facilitate dual usage. Lines are marked at distances of {{convert|13|m|yd}}, {{convert|20|m|yd}}, and {{convert|45|m|yd}} ({{convert|65|m|yd|disp=or}} in hurling) from each end-line. Shorter pitches and smaller goals are used by youth teams.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 October 2005 |title=GAA pitch size |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/4293130.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203081104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/4293130.stm |archive-date=3 December 2019 |access-date=18 September 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport NI}}</ref>

===Duration===
<!-- Do not change this: 99% of football games last for 60 minutes so 60 should come first.-->
The majority of adult football and all minor and under-21 matches last for 60 minutes, divided into two halves of 30 minutes, except for senior inter-county games, which last for 70 minutes (two halves of 35 minutes). Draws are decided by replays or by playing 20 minutes of extra time (two halves of 10 minutes). Juniors have halves of 20 minutes or 25 minutes in some cases. Half-time intermission lasts from 5 to 15 minutes. Championship matches have a 30-minute intermission.

===Teams===
Teams consist of fifteen players<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.gaa.ie/mm//Document/TheGAA/RulesandRegulations/12/66/56/2016OfficialGuide-Part2_English.pdf |title=GAA Official Guide – Part 2 |publisher=[[Gaelic Athletic Association]] |year=2009 |page=8 |quote=A team shall consist of fifteen players. |access-date=26 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531220641/http://www.gaa.ie/mm//Document/TheGAA/RulesandRegulations/12/66/56/2016OfficialGuide-Part2_English.pdf |archive-date=31 May 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> (a goalkeeper, two corner backs, a full back, two wing backs, a centre back, two midfielders, two wing forwards, a centre forward, two corner forwards and a full forward) plus up to fifteen [[Substitution (sport)|substitutes]], of which six may be used. As for younger teams or teams that do not have enough players for fifteen a side, it is not uncommon to play thirteen a side (the same positions except without the full-back and the full forward). Each player is numbered 1–15, starting with the [[Goalkeeper (Gaelic games)|goalkeeper]], who must wear a jersey colour different from that of his or her teammates. Up to 15 substitutes may be named on the team sheet, number 16 usually being the reserve goalkeeper.

===Positions===
{{Further|Gaelic football, hurling and camogie positions}}

===Ball===
{{Main|Gaelic ball}}
[[File:Gaelic football ball on pitch.jpg|thumb|The ball used for a match, made by Irish company [[O'Neills]]]]
The game is played with a round leather [[football (ball)|football]] made of 18 stitched leather panels, with a circumference of {{convert|68|-|70|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}}, weighing between {{convert|480|and|500|g|oz|frac=8|abbr=on}} when dry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GAA Official Guide 2016, Part 2, Rule 4.4 ii (p.16) |url=http://www.gaa.ie/mm/Document/TheGAA/RulesandRegulations/12/66/56/2016OfficialGuide-Part2_English.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103225233/http://www.gaa.ie/mm/Document/TheGAA/RulesandRegulations/12/66/56/2016OfficialGuide-Part2_English.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2017 |access-date=29 September 2016}}</ref> It may be kicked or ''hand-passed''. A hand pass is not a punch but rather a strike of the ball with the side of the closed fist, using the knuckle of the thumb.

====Mark====
In 2017, the [[Gaelic Athletic Association|GAA]] introduced the 'mark' across the board in Gaelic football. Similar to the [[Mark (Australian rules football)|mark in Australian rules football]], a player who catches the ball from a kick-out is awarded a free kick. The rule in full states: "When a player catches the ball cleanly from a Kick-Out without it touching the ground, on or past the {{convert|45|m|yd|adj=on}} line nearest the Kick-Out point, he shall be awarded 'a Mark' by the Referee. The player awarded a 'Mark' shall have the options of (a) Taking a free kick or (b) Playing on immediately."<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2016 |title=GAA have announced that the 'mark' will be introduced across the board on January 1 |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/gaa-have-announced-that-the-mark-will-be-introduced-across-the-board-on-january-1-35233092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427174826/https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/gaa-have-announced-that-the-mark-will-be-introduced-across-the-board-on-january-1-35233092.html |archive-date=27 April 2019 |access-date=18 February 2018 |website=Irish Independent}}</ref> In comparison, the Australian rules equivalent requires the ball not to have touched the ground and for the kick to have travelled at least {{convert|15|m|yd|0}}. In the experimental rules of 2019, a player can now also call a mark inside the opposition's {{convert|45|m|yd|adj=on}} line after a clean catch from a kick played over {{convert|20|m|yd}} from outside the {{convert|45|m|yd|adj=on}} line that does not touch the ground or any other player.<ref name="rte.ie">{{Cite news |last=Sweeney |first=Peter |date=13 January 2019 |title=The view from the ground on football's rules experiment |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0111/1022670-the-view-from-the-ground-on-footballs-rules-experiment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602163311/https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2019/0111/1022670-the-view-from-the-ground-on-footballs-rules-experiment/ |archive-date=2 June 2019 |access-date=2 June 2019 |work=[[RTÉ Sport]]}}</ref>

In 2020, additional versions of the Mark came into force in Gaelic football.<ref name="it-mark-2">{{Cite news |last=Moran |first=Seán |title=GAA officials and referees brace themselves as new rules kick in, and this time it's for real |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/gaa-officials-and-referees-brace-themselves-as-new-rules-kick-in-and-this-time-it-s-for-real-1.4149461 |access-date=24 January 2020 |work=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> The '''Advanced Mark''' allowed a ball to be fielded cleanly inside the opposition 45 when kicked forward over a distance greater than {{convert|20|m|yd|0}} from outside the opposition 45. The referee is required to blow the whistle as this occurs, at which point the player has the option to take the Mark or play on.<ref name="it-mark-2" />

There is also a '''Defensive Mark''', which a defender can get from a long ball played into him.<ref name="it-mark-2" />

=== Types of fouls ===
There are three main types of fouls in Gaelic football, which can result in the ball being given to the other team, a player being cautioned, a player being removed from the field, or even the game being terminated.

==== Technical fouls ====
The following are considered technical fouls ("fouling the ball"):
* Going five steps without releasing, bouncing, or soloing the ball (soloing involves kicking the ball into one's own hands)<ref>{{Cite web |title=All About Football |url=http://www.gaa.ie/page/all_about_football.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204082354/http://www.gaa.ie/page/all_about_football.html |archive-date=4 February 2009 |access-date=18 September 2009 |df=dmy}}</ref>
* Bouncing the ball twice in a row (It may be soloed continuously)
* Changing hands: Throwing the ball between the hands (legal in the ladies' game)
* Throwing the ball (it may be "hand-passed" by striking with the fist).
* Hand passing a goal. To hand pass a ball with an open palm there must be a clear striking action (the ball may be punched over the bar from up in the air, but not into the goal).
* Picking the ball directly off the ground (it must be scooped up into the hands by the foot). However, in [[Ladies' Gaelic football#Differences from men's football|ladies' Gaelic football]], the ball may be picked up directly.
* The square ball is an often controversial rule: "If at the moment the ball enters the small square, there is already an attacking player inside the small rectangle, then a free out is awarded." As of 2012 square balls are only counted if the player is inside the square when the ball is kicked from a free or set piece. An opposing player is allowed in the square during open play.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GAA Referee Handbook - Square Ball {{!}} GAA DOES |url=https://learning.gaa.ie/Referee/SquareBall |access-date=2021-01-24 |website=learning.gaa.ie}}</ref>

==== Aggressive fouls ====
Aggressive fouls are physical or verbal fouls committed by a player against an opponent or the referee. The player can be cautioned (shown a [[Penalty card#Yellow card|yellow card]]), ordered off the pitch without a substitute ([[Penalty card#Red card|red card]]),<ref name="GAA Rules 2012, p. 74–81, Rule 5">{{Cite web |title=Official Guide – Part 2 |url=http://www.gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502173622/http://gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part2.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2013}}GAA Rules 2012, p. 74–81, Rule 5</ref> or (as of January 2020) ejected from the match to the Sin Bin, where they must remain for ten minutes before returning to the field ([[Penalty card#Black card|black card]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=GAA Official Guide Part 2 |url=https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/vybckve2iipp56xmjhqd.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.gaa.ie/api/pdfs/image/upload/vybckve2iipp56xmjhqd.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |access-date=20 November 2020 |website=GAA.ie |publisher=Gaelic Athletic Association}}</ref> Picking up two black cards risks a red card, and the substitute will serve out whatever time imposed by officials.
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==== Dissent ====
A dissent foul is a foul where a player fails to comply with the officials' judgment and/or instructions. The player can be cautioned (shown a yellow card), ordered off the pitch without a substitute (red card), the free kick placement moved {{cvt|13|m|yd}} further down-field, or in certain circumstances, the game can be terminated. The following are considered dissent fouls:
* To challenge the authority of a referee, umpire, linesman, or sideline official.
* To fail to comply with a referee's instruction to use an orifice guard.
* To refuse to leave the field of play, on the instruction of the referee, for attention, after an injury involving bleeding.
* To show dissent with the referee's decision to award a free kick to the opposing team.
* To refuse to leave the field of play when ordered off (red card) or rejoin the game after being ordered off.
* A team or player(s) leaving the field without the referee's permission or refusing to continue playing.<ref name="GAA Rules 2012, p. 82-83, Rule 6">{{Cite web |title=Official Guide – Part 2 |url=http://www.gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502173622/http://gaa.ie/content/documents/publications/official_guides/Official_Guide_2012_Part2.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2013}} GAA Rules 2012, pp. 82–83, Rule 6</ref>

===Scoring===
[[File:Scoring in Gaelic football - H shaped posts and new 2-pointer zone.png|thumb|The new scoring system in Gaelic football — when the ball is kicked over the crossbar from outside the 20-metre line and outside a 40-metre arc, 2 points are scored.]]
{{Main|Scoring in Gaelic games}}
If the ball goes over the crossbar, a ''point'' is scored and a white flag is raised by an umpire. A point is scored by either kicking the ball over the crossbar or fisting it over, in which case the hand must be closed while striking the ball. If the ball goes below the crossbar, a ''goal'', worth three points, is scored, and a green flag is raised by an umpire. A goal is scored by kicking the ball into the net, not by fist-passing the ball into it. However, a player can strike the ball into the net with a closed fist if the ball was played to him by another player or came in contact with the post/crossbar/ground before connection. The goal is guarded by a goalkeeper. Scores are recorded in the format Goal Total-Point Total. To determine the score-line goals must be converted to points and added to the other points. For example, in a match with a final score of Team A 0–21 and Team B 4–8, Team A is the winner with 21 points, as Team B scored only 20 points (4 times 3, plus 8).
<gallery mode="nolines" widths="300">
File:Durham Gaelic football club player shoots.jpg|A player from a [[Canada GAA]] club shoots for goal
File:Football scoring to 2023.png|Football scoring to 2023
</gallery>
===Tackling===
The level of tackling allowed is less robust than in [[rugby football|rugby]] or [[Australian rules football|Australian rules]].

Shoulder-to-shoulder contact and slapping the ball out of an opponent's hand are permitted, but the following are all fouls:
* Blocking a shot with the foot
* Pulling an opponent's jersey
* Pushing an opponent
* Sliding tackles
* Striking an opponent
* Touching the goalkeeper when he/she is inside the small rectangle
* Tripping
* Using both hands to tackle
* Wrestling the ball from an opponent's hands

===Restarting play===
* A match begins with the [[referee]] throwing the ball up between the four mid-fielders.
* After an attacker has put the ball wide of the goals or scored a point or a goal, the goalkeeper may take a '''kick out''' from the ground at the {{convert|13|m|yd|adj=on}} line. All players must be beyond the {{convert|20|m|yd|adj=on}} line. However, in the 2019 experimental rules (rules tested in pre-season competitions), kick-outs must be taken from the {{convert|20|m|yd|adj=on}} line.<ref name="rte.ie" />
* After a defender has put the ball wide of the goals, an attacker may take a "'''45'''" from the ground on the {{convert|45|m|yd|adj=on}} line, level with where the ball went wide.
* After a player has put the ball over the sideline, the other team may take a '''sideline kick''' at the point where the ball left the pitch. It may be kicked from the ground or the hands. The player who is taking the sideline kick must not pass the boundary line while taking it.
* After a player has committed a foul, the other team may take a '''free kick''' (usually shortened to "free" in reports/commentaries) at the point where the foul was committed. It may be kicked from the ground or the hands.
* If a player has been fouled while passing the ball, the free may be taken from the point where the ball landed.
* <!-- [[Penalty kick (Gaelic football)]] redirects here-->After a defender has committed a foul inside the large rectangle, the other team may take a '''penalty kick''' from the ground from the centre of the {{convert|11|m|yd|adj=on}} line. Only the goalkeeper may guard the goals.
* If many players are struggling for the ball and it is unclear who was fouled first, the referee may throw the ball up between two opposing players.

===Officials===
A football match is overseen by up to eight officials:
* The referee
* Two linesmen
* Sideline official/Standby linesman (often referred to as "fourth official"; inter-county games only)
* Four umpires (two at each goal)

The referee is responsible for starting and stopping play, recording the score, awarding frees, and booking, and sending off players.

Linesmen are responsible for indicating the direction of line balls to the referee.

The fourth official is responsible for overseeing substitutions and also indicating the amount of stoppage time (signalled to him by the referee) and the players substituted using an electronic board.

The umpires are responsible for judging the scoring. They indicate to the referee whether a shot was: wide (spread both arms), a {{convert|45|m|yd|adj=on}} kick (raise one arm), a point (wave white flag), a square ball (cross arms) or a goal (wave green flag). A disallowed score is indicated by crossing the green and white flags.

Other officials are not obliged to indicate any misdemeanours to the referee; they are only permitted to inform the referee of violent conduct they have witnessed that has occurred without the referee's knowledge. A linesman/umpire is not permitted to inform the referee of technical fouls such as a "double bounce" or an illegal pick-up of the ball. Such decisions can only be made at the discretion of the referee.