By John Harrington
The GAA has confirmed that from 1 January 2024 all Hurling games at all levels from Minor (u-17) and above must use a Fluorescent Yellow/High-Vis Match Sliotar from a GAA Sliotar licensee.
The decision to switch from white to fluorescent yellow/High-Vis sliotars began in 2020 with the Liam McCarthy Cup that year and was made for the benefit of both players and spectators and based on clear scientific evidence.
To better inform the public about the specifications of Match Sliotars and SMART sliotars, the GAA has created a website link which includes sliotar information for all GAA members HERE.
GAA Sliotar licensee information may be available which includes a list of all licensees HERE.
All GAA Approved Sliotars supplied by Licensees undergo regular laboratory and field testing to ensure compliance with the specifications listed in the Official GAA Guide and to maintain the integrity of the game.
All Sliotar testing is carried out independently by Dublin City University.
Field testing took place at the National Games Development Center in Abbotstown and the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome.
A “Swatch Card” is used to establish the level of compliance with the Fluorescent Yellow/High-Vis color.
Once again, in 2024 the GAA SMART sliotar will be used in official games at senior, U-20 and second level (U-17) inter-county levels.
The SMART Sliotar Project aims to ensure that approved Sliotar suppliers adhere to the Sliotar specification set out in the GAA Official Guide and that approved Sliotars operate consistently.
In an effective regulatory context, it seeks to tackle the illegal use of the official GAA logo and ensure that Sliotars meet the ethical manufacturing and supply chain standards set by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).
A tag or chip is embedded in the core of the SMART Sliotar, which can be read by a mobile phone app and can be verified as an official match ball. Additionally, the Sliotar chip – which is the same type of technology used in mobile phone payments – cannot be replicated, and as a result Sliotar counterfeiting is also being considered.
Two SMART Sliotar licensees – Green Fields and O’Neills – will continue to provide SMART Sliotars for use in 2024 at Senior and U20 level. The SMART Sliotar will also be used in minor (U17) inter-county competitions in 2024.
Three additional SMART Sliotar licensees have already passed the Sliotar specification tests and will also provide SMART Sliotars for use in the U-20 and minor leagues. They are Bourke Sports, Cummins Sports and O’Meara Sliotars.
These additional licenses will be approved for use in senior inter-county competitions from 2025, provided they continue to meet performance and specification standards in the meantime.
All Sliotar licensees will be required to annually renew their WFSGI pledge to the WFSGI and all Sliotars produced by licensees will include a new Sliotar licensee logo.
Match Sliotars are all sliotars other than Smart Sliotars which are manufactured by GAA licensees, meet GAA specifications and can be used in official games, outside of inter-county games. All Match Sliotar licensees have begun the process of phasing out production of white sliotars and have begun production of Fluorescent Yellow/High-Vis slotars, which feature the new logo instead. Official Sliotars matches must only be purchased from approved licensees.
This significant amount of work has been overseen by the Hurley & Sliotar Regulatory Group, which has met 67 times since its inception in June 2021, appointed by Uachtarán Larry McCarthy.
Since then, the task force’s role has evolved to include responsibility for a range of Hurley-related matters.
10 members have contributed to the taskforce during this time – Ned Quinn (Chairman, Kilkenny), Brendan Cummins (Tipperary), Eoin McDonagh (Galway), Terry Reilly (Antrimo), Bob Ryan (Cork), Louise Conlon, James Heffernan , Lizzie Broderick (Camogie), Pat Daly and Johan Tuohey (GAA).
“The group set out to develop a ‘Mission’, a ‘Vision’ and an ‘Ambition’ in relation to the delivery of its key remit,” says GAA Player Welfare Manager and member of the Hurley & Sliotar Regulatory Group, Eoghan Tuohey.
“This included the development of a regulatory framework to serve to uphold the integrity of the game of Hurling, the good name of the Association and to ensure that fair play is the prevailing norm.
“This will include the introduction of a Sliotar licensing system based on compliance with Sliotar specifications set out in rule, ethical manufacturing, supply chain standards and financial probity. It also strives to ensure that quality Smart and Match sliotars are available at a competitive price.
“Finally, the Task Force also ensures, based on Congressional input, that the Association’s relevant rules are fit for purpose and applied consistently.”
The task force is now targeting the regulation of Size 4 Sliotars and Go Games (Size 1 and 2) and will provide updates in this area over the coming months.
· Further information on GAA Sliotar Licensee Inquiries is available from GAA Partnerships Manager Donal Marah – [email protected]
· Further information on GAA Smart and Match Sliotars is available from GAA Player Welfare Manager, Eoghan Tuohey – [email protected]
