Ball (Gaelic football) facts for kids
A football or Gaelic football is the special ball used in exciting Irish sports like Gaelic football and ladies' Gaelic football. It's also used in a game called international rules football, which mixes Irish and Australian rules.
This ball is shaped like a perfect sphere, just like a regular soccer ball or a basketball. It's usually made from strong leather.
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What Does a Gaelic Football Look Like?
A Gaelic football has a unique pattern of 18 panels. Imagine a volleyball – the Gaelic football has a very similar design! These panels are arranged in six groups. Each group has two trapezoid-shaped panels and one rectangular panel.
Rules for the Ball
The rules for Gaelic football make sure the ball is always the right size and weight for fair play.
Size and Weight
For most adult games of Gaelic football, the ball needs to weigh between 480 and 500 grams (about 1 to 1.1 pounds). Its size, or circumference, should be between 68 and 70 centimeters (about 2 feet 3 inches).
Younger players, especially those under 15, might use slightly smaller balls. This makes it easier for them to learn and play the game.
Air Pressure
It's important that the ball is pumped up just right! A Gaelic football should have an air pressure of about 9.75 to 10 psi. This ensures the ball bounces correctly and feels good to kick and catch.
Ladies' Gaelic Football Ball
In ladies' Gaelic football, a slightly smaller ball is used for all competitions from age 12 and up. This is called a size 4 football. For even younger players, like those in Go Games, a size 3 ball is used.
