Gaelic Football
Multicultural Games

State the name of your game and why you chose it.

The game we selected is Gaelic football. We chose this game because it is a combination of soccer and football.

List the countries where it is played and its origin.

The country where it is primarily played is Ireland. It also originated there. It is also played in England, Australia and the United States.

Describe how your game is played. State the object of the game. Clearly describe the rules.

• Gaelic football is played with 15 men trying to score by getting the ball into the goal or over a cross bar and between the posts. Over the goal is one point, under is three points. The game is played in 35 minute halves. The player may kick the ball, fist the ball, pass the ball from hand to hand, and bounce the ball. He is not allowed to carry the ball more than four steps.
• The object is to get the ball in the goal or point bar. There is a goal post with a soccer goal under the crossbar.
• A player can't push, kick, trip, hold, strike or jump at an opponent; reach from behind a player who has the ball; charge a player from behind; or charge an opponent without the ball. In short: no kicking, pushing, punching, biting, eye gouging, fish-hooking, or tackling. Players who do not follow the rules are suspended from the game.

List the equipment needed.

• They play with a ball that weighs 320-425 grams and has a circumference of 69-74 centimeters (like a volley ball).
• The players wear shirts, shorts and socks in their team colors, and soccer cleats. A referee with a penalty flag is necessary

Make recommendations for what type of athlete would enjoy playing this game. What skills does it demand?

Brian: A good type of athlete to play this game would be a soccer player who has a strong upper body. That person would also have to be able to use his hands correctly. I think that this game should be played on a large open field while it's raining. If the field is wet and you get tackled without any equipment, falling into the water won't hurt as much as falling on a dry field. Once I saw this game I thought that it was going to be complicated to play, but it is soccer and rugby put together.

What are your feelings about this game? Did you enjoy playing it? Would you recommend it?

Adam: A fast, athletic, strong soccer player would play this game. The perfect place to play this game would be outside on a grass field when the sun's out ant it wasn't too hot or cold. If I started playing this game I think I would enjoy it because I like soccer.

 

Multicultural Games Unit   | Games Index |  Middle School  |  GAnet

Germantown Academy
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