International Rules The Main Rules

Compiled by DAMIAN CULLEN

Compiled by DAMIAN CULLEN

  • The team with the higher aggregate score after the two Tests is awarded the series. Australia claimed last weekend's first Test, 47-40. As Ireland are the reigning champions, the home side needs to win today by at least seven points to retain the title.
  • Each match is 72 minutes long, divided into four quarters of 18 minutes each. A countdown clock (which will stop for any injuries etc) is used, with a siren marking the end of each quarter.
  • There is a break of six minutes after the first and third quarters, and 15 minutes at half-time.
  • The ball used is a regulation Gaelic football.
  • Each team consists of 15 players on the field of play (one of which is the designated goalkeeper) and eight interchange players.
  • Each team is permitted to make up to 10 interchanges per quarter.
  • AFL umpire Brett Rosebury will officiate at both Tests and has an understudy, Ray Chamberlain. GAA referees David Coldrick (Meath) and Pat McEnaney (Monaghan) will officiate in Limerick and Croke Park respectively. There will also be an independent video match referee, South African lawyer Ian Curlewis, who will record yellow- and red-card offences not spotted by the officials.
  • The goal umpires indicate a score by . . .

. . . raising both index fingers, and then waving a green flag (for a “Goal”, six points).

. . . raising one extended arm and hand, and then waving a red flag (for an “Over”, three points).

. . . raising one index finger, and then waving a white flag (for a “Behind”, one point).

  • A "mark" is awarded if a player catches the ball after it has been kicked by another player at least 15 metres away, and which has not touched the ground or another player before being caught.
  • A player in possession of the football must touch it off the ground (usually by bouncing it) at least once every 10 metres (or six steps). The ball may be touched off the ground a maximum of twice before disposal. A player can, however, solo the ball on his foot any number of times.
  • A team may not handpass the ball more than four times in succession.
  • The ball can be lifted directly from the ground.
  • A correct tackle occurs when a player with the ball is held, either by the body or jersey, below the shoulders and above the thighs. The tackle must be by both hands.
  • A player must release their opponent immediately once the referee's whistle sounds.
  • Red cards result in a player being sent off and not replaced. Yellow cards result in sin-binning for 10 minutes.
  • Suspensions shall apply during the AFL and NFL seasons.
  • Slinging, slamming or driving an opponent into the ground when executing a tackle shall be deemed gross misconduct and earn a red card.