Camogie to trial proposed rule changes in the upcoming season

The Camogie Association have agreed on a set of potential rule changes which will be trailed during the upcoming 2023/2024 season.

They said the changes seek to enhance the flow, skill, and fairness of the game while maintaining player safety.

The committee has identified six key rules for modification or addition, with the intention of gathering feedback and assessing their impact before any permanent implementation.

The proposed changes are as follows:

Rule 1: Quick Puck Out

Goalkeepers will now have the option to take a quick puck out 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 puck out will be penalised. Additionally, players from either team will not be required to be outside the 20-meter line for a quick puck out.

Rule 2: Rough Play and Dissent

To encourage fair and physical play, shoulder-to-shoulder contact will now be permitted.

Players will be allowed to tackle opponents using shoulder-to-shoulder contact from a side-on position.

However, aggressive or cynical contact will remain prohibited. Charging into a player, with or without the sliotar, is strictly not allowed.

Rule 3: Handpass

A clarification has been made to the handpass rule.

Players must demonstrate a clear striking action when handpassing the sliotar.

Any violation of this rule will result in a free awarded to the opposing team, with the free being indirect.

Rule 4: Sideline Puck

Teams will have the option to take a side line puck from either the hand or the ground when the sideline puck is within their own 45-meter line.

If the sliotar crosses the sideline outside the 45m line, the sideline must be taken as a ground