Effective from 28th March 2026
1. Changes to the Dissent Rule (players)
Previously, when a player showed dissent (argued or complained) about a referee’s decision, the referee could move the ball 13 metres closer to the opposing goal.
Now:
- The referee can move the ball 30 metres forward instead of 13 metres.
- This can only be done once for the same incident.
-  If the dissent continues, either:
- by the same player, or
- by another player on the same team,
- then the referee should give a yellow card to the offending player under Rule 6.1.

2. Extra sanctions for Under-18 and younger grades
At Under-18 level and all younger age grades, if a player is guilty of dissent:
- The player must leave the field for 10 minutes (a “sin bin”).
- The referee gives the player a black card.
- The player’s team may bring on a temporary substitute during those 10 minutes.

3. New sanctions for Team Management (sideline)
- Team management (e.g. manager, selectors, coaches, backroom staff) can now be penalised under the Dissent Rule for the following:
=> Challenging the authority of the referee or any match official.
=> Threatening, or using abusive or provocative language towards an opposing player or team official.
=> Using abusive language towards the referee or any match official.
=> Disruptive conduct (for example, behaviour that delays or interferes with the game).
=> Minor physical interference with a referee or match official or threatening/abusive behaviour or threatening language towards them.
=> Any type of assault on a referee or match official.
=> Penalties for Team Management offences

If a member of team management commits any of the above offences:
During play
=>A free puck is awarded to the opposing team on the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space.
=>Before the game starts, at half-time, or before extra time
=>Play will start or restart with a free puck to the opposing team from the offending team’s 20-metre line, in front of the scoring space.

RULES.

Rule 6.4 – The Playing Rules of Hurling – Rules of Foul Play – Dissent – Official Guide Part 2 (Page 42)

Rule 6.7 – The Playing Rules of Hurling – Rules of Foul Play – Dissent – Official Guide Part 2 (Page 42)
For a Team Official to commit one of the following Misconduct at Games by Team Officials infractions contrary to Rules of Control - Rule 5:
(a) Category 1a.2 To challenge the authority of a Referee, Score Umpire, Line Umpire or Sideline Official.
(b) Category 1a.3 To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opposing player or team official.
(c) Category IIa.
(i) To use abusive language to a Referee, Score Umpire, Line Umpire or Sideline Official.
(ii) Disruptive Conduct
(d) Category IVa.1 Minor physical interference with (e.g. laying a hand on, pushing, pulling or jostling), threatening or abusive conduct towards, or threatening language to, a Referee, Score Umpire, Line Umpire or Sideline Official.
(e) Category Va Any type of assault on a Referee, Score Umpire, Line Umpire or Sideline Official.

Penalty:
A free puck on the offending team’s 20m line at the centre of the scoring space or,
Where the infraction occurs immediately before the start of the game; or during the half-time interval in Normal Time or Extra Time; or between the end of Normal Time and the commencement of Extra Time, the game shall start or restart with a free puck as outlined above.
That Rules of Control – Control of Games – Rule 5 – Misconduct At Games By Team Officials – Penalty on the day for the above categories IIa, IIIa, IVa and Va infractions – Official Guide Part 2 Page 20.
In Hurling, in addition to the above penalties, the team of the official shall be penalised as follows: A free puck on the offending team’s 20m line at the centre of the scoring space.