A raft of new rule changes are currently being trialled in the Lidl Ladies National Football League, including those which allow more contact in the game.
Before Christmas, LGFA's Central Council approved 12 playing rule recommendations.
Six of the changes to be implemented are from the Football Review Committee's rule enhancements in the men's game, namely the kickout mark, the two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half at all times, the solo and go, and frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline.
However, short restarts within the 40-metre arc will still be allowed.
The other changes pertain to the tackle, in an attempt to permit more physicality in challenges, with the goal of a more free-flowing spectacle
So, incidental contact will be allowed. A player can use one or both hands to legally delay the forward movement of an opponent who is in possession of the ball, provided contact is below the shoulder.
Once contact is made, the player must then endeavour to tackle the ball.
In what is termed 'controlled contact', a player can use their body to fairly contest possession as long as no excessive force is used.
Saturday last saw Dublin take on Kerry as Division 1 of the league got under way. Played at the Round Towers ground in Clondalkin on a wet afternoon, reports suggest a few hard hits were in evidence.
On the field of play was Kingdom midfielder Caoimhe Evans.
Speaking at the launch of the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé 2026, her assessment of the game would bear that out, when saying: "I said to one of the girls that I was surprised how physical the game was."
An indication of what's to come then, with Evans who had to leave the play with whiplash in the second-half against Dublin, adding: "The ladies football game is going to become a lot more physical.
"One of the new rules is when you have the ball and have it secured you can be tackled, previously you were only allowed to tackle when you were about to take a play. So obviously that will increase the physicality.
"We'll have to adjust to that, even though our game is about moving the ball fast and running off the shoulder."
All told, Evans believes the new rules will "improve the game" but added that time will be needed to fully adapt to the dozen changes.
"We're adjusting well to them but it will take a few games to get used to the differences especially the solo and go, where you would nearly hesitate.
"But as I said, we're adjusting well, looking forward to getting used to them, getting the hang of them.
"The three-up and three-back is really positive. The game had got a bit defensive so the three-up rule allows the game to flow more freely. The solo and go improves the pace of the game for the middle eight players.
"With all the changes, we have upped our pre-season, adapted the new rules into our fitness drills."
Kerry are the reigning Division 1 champions, adding to an All-Ireland crown won in 2024.
Evans was not present for that Brendan Martin triumph. She watched on from a bar in Chicago as she opted to go on a sabbatical in the Windy City. But it was a case of no regrets for the Keel native; the time away was of benefit to her.
"I know it was bittersweet definitely but I was delighted for the girls and they deserved it," she said.
"Personally if I didn't take that step back when I did I don't think I'd be the player I am now.
"It was the best decision for myself personally but I was delighted to see the girls lift the Brendan Martin. It was so deserved."
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