New Hurling Rules from 28th March 2026
The following changes were passed at Congress and impact adult & juvenile teams at both club & county from 28th March onwards.
1. Changes to the Dissent Rule (players)
Previously, when a player showed dissent (argued or complained) about a referee’s decision, the referee could move the ball 13 metres closer to the opposing goal.
Now:
The following changes were passed at Congress and impact adult & juvenile teams at both club & county from 28th March onwards.
1. Changes to the Dissent Rule (players)
Previously, when a player showed dissent (argued or complained) about a referee’s decision, the referee could move the ball 13 metres closer to the opposing goal.
Now:
- The referee can move the ball 30 metres forward instead of 13 metres.
- This can only be done once for the same incident.
- If the dissent continues, either by the same player, or by another player on the same team then the referee should give a yellow card to the offending player under Rule 6.1.
2. Extra sanctions for Under-18 and younger grades
At Under-18 level and all younger age grades, if a player is guilty of dissent:
At Under-18 level and all younger age grades, if a player is guilty of dissent:
- The player must leave the field for 10 minutes (a “sin bin”).
- The referee gives the player a black card.
- The player’s team may bring on a temporary substitute during those 10 minutes.
3. New sanctions for Team Management (sideline)
Team management (e.g. manager, selectors, coaches, backroom staff) can now be penalised under the Dissent Rule for the following:
1. Challenging the authority of the referee or any match official.
2. Threatening, or using abusive or provocative language towards an opposing player or team official.
3. Using abusive language towards the referee or any match official.
4. Disruptive conduct (for example, behaviour that delays or interferes with the game).
5. Minor physical interference with a referee or match official or threatening/abusive behaviour or threatening language towards them.
6. Any type of assault on a referee or match official.
4. Penalties for Team Management offences
If a member of team management commits any of the above offences:
During play
- A free puck is awarded to the opposing team on the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space
Before the game starts, at half-time, or before extra time
- Play will start or restart with a free puck to the opposing team from the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space.
