GPA cites player welfare after 83% of camogie players want choice on skorts

The traditional skort is mandated playing gear for camogie players, a rule preserved at the 2024 Camogie Congress, at which four motions related to changing the rule were defeated. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
A study by the Gaelic Players Association has found 70% of inter-county camogie players find skorts uncomfortable and 83% of players at least want the right to choose between wearing skorts and shorts.
The traditional skort is mandated playing gear for camogie players, a rule preserved at the 2024 Camogie Congress, at which four motions related to changing the rule were defeated.
Now a GPA policy paper, prepared in collaboration with the European Athletes and Players Association, has examined the wearing of skorts from a player welfare perspective.
It found that 70% of players reported discomfort while wearing skorts, while 83% of players would prefer to wear shorts or at least believe that players should have the option to choose.
More specifically, 65% expressed concerns that wearing skorts exposed them in media content, affecting their mental state. While 49% experienced anxiety around period leaks.
In the paper, one unnamed player says: "Disagree strongly with wearing skorts. Always feel very uncomfortable during games and honestly think it impacts how I play in a negative way."
Another said: "Skorts are so uncomfortable and do not stay in place. Constantly fixing them during matches which has massive negative implications to performance and concentration."
While another added: "Have been exposed on social media through images almost every season I have played both club and county."
The GPA cites Sport Ireland's Women in Sport Policy which encourages National Governing Bodies to ensure that women and girls feel safe, respected, and confident in their sporting environments.
It also points to the UNESCO International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, which advocates that athletes should feel safe, confident, and respected when participating in sport, without discrimination or fear of discomfort.
The GPA concludes that players should have the choice to wear skorts or shorts on the basis of player welfare and that player welfare should be prioritised over established norms and traditions in decision making.
It adds that players remain open to collaborative dialogue on this issue with the Camogie Association, GAA, Sport Ireland and other sporting bodies.
In 2024, Camogie Association president Brian Molloy said he would continue to engage with players on the issue of wearing skorts.
However, the next time camogie delegates can vote on the playing uniform will be at Congress in 2027.