Putting the Nap in Indianapolis

[Big RR]

I saw hurling on television once, it was a pretty quick moving game. I'm not sure I understood all the rules (I recall running with the ball balanced on the stick being OK, but touching it to steady it on the stick not, I think), and I also recall there was different scoring if the call went above or into the net (a little like American football with a touchdown and a field goal). There were also rules as to what sort of contact between players was acceptable (and I was totally lost there). I recall it being a game from some sort of festival in Ireland--is there a professional league?

[Gob]

I'm not sure I understood all the rules

Rules? In hurling?

Only one...

Try to finish the game alive.

[Sean]

I saw hurling on television once, it was a pretty quick moving game. I'm not sure I understood all the rules (I recall running with the ball balanced on the stick being OK, but touching it to steady it on the stick not, I think), and I also recall there was different scoring if the call went above or into the net (a little like American football with a touchdown and a field goal). There were also rules as to what sort of contact between players was acceptable (and I was totally lost there). I recall it being a game from some sort of festival in Ireland--is there a professional league?

There are leagues but hurling, like Gaelic football and camogie, is a completely amateur sport. Players represent their local clubs and (if they are selected) their county in the All-Ireland Championship. IIRC you are only allowed to carry the ball for a maximum of three paces before it must be bounced or balanced on the caman (stick) or ground. Shoulder charging is not allowed... though you are more than welcome to twat your opponent with the caman... accidentally of course! You get three points for a goal (in the net) and one point for putting the ball over the bar. Helmets have only been compulsory at senior level for the last couple of years although I think they were compulsory at junior level before that.