Twelve new football rules have been passed by a Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA] Special Congress on Wednesday after they were trialled during this year's National Leagues and Higher Education College competitions.
The rule enhancements were brought forward by a Playing Rules Review Workgroup and were voted through by delegates at the Special Congress in Tullamore.
They will come into effect immediately for adult inter-county championships at provincial and national levels and in 2027 for underage championships that have not yet commenced.
Six of the 12 changes mirror those introduced in the men's game that were brought forward by the GAA Football Review Committee.
They are the kick-out mark, the two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half at all times, the solo and go as well as frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline.
The other half of the changes relate specifically to current LGFA rules including tackling and increased physicality.
Previously a player could only tackle when the ball was out from the body, but this has been altered to allow a player to tackle the ball even if it is in the body.
A player now may also use one or both hands to legally delay an opponent's forward movement provided the opponent is in possession of the ball and that the contact is made below shoulder height and is not a push backwards.
Three non-technical fouls by a player will result in a yellow card while another new enhancement permits a player to use her body to fairly contest possession of the ball provided the challenge does not involve excessive force.
The ball may no longer be played backwards from a 45m kick or a throw in will be awarded and for a set play an attacking player can now legally enter the small rectangle after the final play of the ball.
LGFA president Trina Murray said the introduction of these rules "represents a significant and progressive step forward for Ladies Gaelic Football at all levels".
"The feedback to date has been extremely positive, and we have already seen a tangible impact in terms of improving the speed and flow of the game," she added.
