The Camogie Athletic Association has voted to allow players to choose between wearing shorts or a skort during official play, marking a significant change in the sport's gendered uniform requirements that have been in place for 121 years. This decision comes after extensive debate and protests among players advocating for more practical attire.
The Gaelic Player's Association expressed support for the outcome, emphasizing the importance of choice for athletes. They acknowledged the efforts of Camogie players across Ireland who voiced their concerns regarding the long-standing skort rule.
The debate surrounding the uniform regulations has highlighted issues of gender bias, with many athletes stating their preference for shorts, a sentiment echoed by young girls who have cited attire concerns as a reason for leaving sports. The Camogie Association, the sport's governing body, had previously upheld the skort rule, referencing tradition and history.
Camogie, known for its physicality and high-stakes contact, has been described as a blend of field hockey, baseball, and lacrosse. It is one of the last major sports in the Western world to enforce a gendered dress code. This rule originated in the early 20th century during British occupation, a time when Gaelic games were often banned.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to accommodate female athletes' differing requirements, with other sports, including hockey and football, adopting more flexible uniform policies.
Despite prior votes to maintain the skort requirement, escalating player protests this season drew significant public attention. High-profile incidents included players being sent back to change after arriving in shorts for matches, which sparked outrage among athletes and supporters alike.
The protests culminated in a planned demonstration that led to the postponement of a crucial match, ultimately influencing the decision to hold a vote on the issue. The recent vote, held at a Special Congress in Dublin, resulted in an overwhelming approval rate of 98 percent among delegates, allowing players to wear either shorts or skorts from midnight Thursday.
This change coincides with the start of the All-Ireland tournament season, a key event in the Gaelic sports calendar.