Hurling is a rigorous, fast and physical game so knowing how to measure for a hurley correctly is important for your performance.
It also requires protective equipment to be worn by all players.
The following is some useful information about buying the equipment necessary for hurling and some information on how to measure for a hurley.
HURLEYS: HOW TO MEASURE
- Only choose hurleys made out of good quality ash
- Choose the right length hurley, they come in a wide range of sizes.
- A general rule for choosing the right hurley for your height is that when you stand the hurley beside your leg, the top should reach your wrist.
- Player stands nice and relaxed with their hands down by their sides.
- The distance from the ground to their wrist is the correct length.
- Player should be able to hold the hurley at the top and the hurley should be just touching the ground.
- If a player is between sizes it is still better to have the hurley too small rather than too big.
Below is a simple guide from the Camóige association around how to measure a hurley for your kid.
HURLING HELMETS
Hurling helmets are primarily designed to avoid head injury after colliding with an opponent. You should bear the following in mind:
- Helmets must be worn by all players
- Your helmet should comply with NSAI I.S.355 Safety standards
- Ideally your helmet should be covered under the GAA Insurance Scheme
- Try on a few different helmets to find one that you find compact and comfortable
- The helmet must completely cover the head and have a faceguard
SLIOTARS
- A sliotar has a diameter of between 69mm and 72mm (not including the rib) and weighs between 110g and 120g. The rib height is between 2mm and 2.8mm, and width between 3.6mm and 5.4mm. The leather cover can be between 1.8mm and 2.7mm and is laminated with a coating of no more than 0.15m
- Available in sizes 3, 4 (for children's hurling and Camogie) and 5 (adult and match size)
- Buy GAA approved sliotars
HURLING GLOVES
Hurling gloves provide padding to protect the back of the hands while exposing the palm to enable grip. They should be:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Have grips
- Have velcro straps to keep them on
This Buying Guide gives general advice on Hurling equipment. It is intended as a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores and talking to the experts in our sales team if in any doubt about what to buy.