A Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Special Congress has voted through the package of 12 playing rule enhancements trialled during the 2026 Lidl National League season and Higher Education Colleges competitions.
The suite of changes will now be enacted into rule and apply instantly for all adult inter-county championships at provincial and national levels.
Six of the dozen will mirror the "rule enhancements" introduced to the men's game by the GAA’s Football Review Committee this season – the kickout mark, the two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half, solo and go, and frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or sideline dissent.
The other six are specific to the women’s game, including some related to the tackle and increased physicality.
The increased physicality has been widely well received. Previously, a player could only tackle when the ball was out from the body, while there is more leeway in using hands to prevent a collision.
It also eliminates the gamesmanship that allowed players engineer frees with the charging rule.
"The news rules, from what I have seen, have transformed ladies football, just like the new rules injected new life into the men’s game," she said during the league campaign
"It has revolutionised the game."
Following the conclusion of the Leagues last weekend, motions were brought forward to Special Congress and strongly approved.
"I would like to sincerely thank our players, match officials and coaches for the vital role they have played in trialling the rule enhancements across the 2026 Lidl National League and Higher Education competitions," LGFA President Trina Murray said.
"The adoption of these rules represents a significant and progressive step forward for Ladies Gaelic Football at all levels."
