What is Gaelic Football?
Ireland’s most popular sport combines the catching of basketball, the kicking of soccer and the physicality of rugby. Here’s everything a newcomer needs to know.
The game in 60 seconds
15 a side
Full games are 15 v 15; summer tournaments in the US are often 7-a-side.
Goal = 3 points
Under the crossbar into the net for a goal, over the bar for a point.
4 steps
Then you must bounce, solo (toe-tap), pass or shoot.
Hand & foot
Pass by handpass (striking with the fist or open hand) or by kicking.
Two halves
Adult games are 2 x 35 minutes at senior inter-county level, shorter locally.
100% amateur
From Croke Park to Orange County, nobody is paid to play.
How scoring works
A Gaelic football score is written as goals–points. A goal (into the net, under the crossbar) is worth three points; a point (over the crossbar, between the posts) is worth one. So a score of 3-11 means 3 goals and 11 points: 3 × 3 + 11 = 20.
Since 2025, a kick that goes over the bar from outside the 40-meter arc is worth two points in the men’s game at GAA level — a big change explained in our complete rules guide.
Try it yourself: our 2016 Southland Cup Final win over the LA Cougars finished 3-11 to 2-10. Use the calculator to see the margin.
Score calculator
Frequently asked questions
Where are the games played?
Gaelic games are predominantly played in Ireland. In Southern California, local championship games are played mainly in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. The San Diego 7s tournament is played on Memorial Day weekend every year, and the North American finals move to a different city each year, traditionally around Labor Day weekend.
When does the season run?
The local GAA season runs any time from February through September. February is when teams recruit and warm up with light training sessions. April and May bring warm-up games with smaller teams and relaxed rules, and the proper championship runs from June through September. In Ireland, the inter-county All-Ireland championships run through the summer, while the club All-Ireland finals are played in the winter and early spring.
What is the GAA?
The Gaelic Athletic Association is the governing body of hurling and Gaelic football, and also governs rounders and handball. It is a totally amateur, non-profit, community-based organization whose remit includes the promotion of Irish culture through sport, music, song and dance. Joining an international GAA club is a great way to stay connected with Ireland and settle into a new life overseas.
Are injuries common?
No. Believe it or not, you are arguably more likely to pick up a lower-leg knock in soccer, where leg-to-leg collisions are more common. Physical contact in Gaelic games is limited to a fair shoulder-to-shoulder charge on the player in possession, and gum shields (mouthguards) are mandatory for safety.
Is it co-ed?
There are some co-ed games in the local leagues in Southern California, but not at national tournaments, where men’s and ladies’ competitions are separate.
Are there any professional leagues?
No. Although the All-Ireland championships look like major professional events, the only reward players get is the honor of winning. That is what makes the GAA such a unique organization.
Why do people play?
GAA club and county teams represent their local community, and the honor of representing your community spurs people on. At local club level people play because it is fun, sociable and a challenge, to improve fitness and health, and for recognition of their achievements.
Who plays?
Anyone can play. Our games are mostly played by Irish people, including students who visit the US for the summer, but there is a growing contingent of American-born players who really are the future of the GAA in the United States. Clubs can be found from Vancouver to Wellington, with hundreds of clubs outside Ireland.
How can I get involved in playing or watching?
Come along to one of our practice sessions — see the Training page — or send us a message via the Contact page. You can also follow our games and social events, like us on Facebook or sign up to our newsletter.
What is the greatest prize in Gaelic games?
The inter-county All-Ireland Championships. In football the prize is the Sam Maguire Cup and in hurling the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The two All-Ireland finals are Ireland’s equivalent of the Super Bowl — huge national occasions attended by the Taoiseach and the President of Ireland.
Rules & guidance
Official GAA guide
The official rules and regulations are published by the GAA in Ireland.