What is Hurling?
A full understanding of the cultural importance of the sport of hurling requires a basic understanding of the elements of the game. Otherwise, it's difficult to know what the word "hurling" even means to the people of Ireland. This page won't get into the full rules of playing, only the basics.
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The EquipmentHurley: The stick used in the game of hurling is known as the hurley and can measure up to 36 inches long, varying in size based on the individual player (sizing is determined by the distance between the player's wrist at rest and the ground). The various parts of the hurley include the bas, the wide part at the end used to both balance the ball while running and to hit the ball. Hurleys are made of wood, traditionally ash.
Sliotar: The ball used in a game of hurling is the sliotar. It resembles an American baseball but is only slightly larger than a tennis ball. Sliotars are made from cork and covered in leather. Archeological evidence suggests these balls were originally made of hair when the game was played in the summer, and wood when the game was played in the winter (O'Sullivan, 26). Helmets: The helmets and face guards used in modern hurling games only became compulsory in 2010 as a means of reducing injuries. |
The FieldThe field in hurling is known as a pitch and measures 140-160 yards long and 90-100 yards wide.
At each end of the field is a goal, shaped like an H. The two vertical posts are 21 feet apart and 20-23 feet tall. The horizontal bar is 8.2 feet above the ground, from which is attached a net much like those on a soccer goal. Smaller field sizes are used by youth teams. This same standard pitch size is also used by the sport of Gaelic football, a variation on the typical football (soccer) sport that combines rugby, football, and basketball. Many of the same pitches are used for both sports. |
The Rules and ScoringA very simple explanation of the game of hurling is as follows, from the US Gaelic Association website:
Team Size: 24-30 players, 13-15 on the field at a time Playtime: 50-70 minutes (divided into halves) depending on the gameplay level, with replays and extra time used to decide tied games Points/Scoring: When the ball goes above the crossbar but between the goal posts it is worth 1 point, while a goal made into the net (guarded by a goalkeeper) is worth 3 points. Tackling: In hurling "tackling" means interfering with the person who has the sliotar to keep them from scoring. This is permitted, but certain acts are not allowed. These include pushing, tripping, pulling on jerseys, and using the sorts of tackles used in American football. Rules: Players must use the hurley to "flick" the sliotar up from the ground and cannot pick it up directly. The sliotar cannot be thrown, but it can be "hand-passed" by hitting it with the player's palm. The sliotar cannot be carried in hand more than 4 steps, but it can be carried by balancing it on the hurley's bas. The sliotar also cannot be caught 3 times in a row without touching the ground, nor can it be passed from hand to hand. Goals don't count if the player "hand-passed" the sliotar into the goal, only if they hit the sliotar in. Players also can't "chop" or slash downwards on another player's hurley. |