The match is played between two teams of 15 players. The objective of the game is for players to use a wooden stick called a hurl to hit a small ball called a sliotar between the opponents' goalposts.
A hurling pitch is similar in some respects to a rugby pitch but larger. The grass pitch is rectangular, stretching 130–145 meters long and 80–90 wide. There are H-shaped goalposts at each end, formed by two posts set 6.5 m apart and connected 2.5 m above the ground by a crossbar. A net extending behind the goal is attached to the crossbar and lower goal posts.
Scoring is achieved by sending the small ball called sliotar between the opposition's goal posts. If the ball goes below the crossbar, a goal, worth three points, is scored. If the ball goes over the crossbar, a point is scored.
Matches last 60 minutes (30 minutes per half). In some cases (for example inter-country senior matches) the time may be extended to 70 minutes.
If a game finishes in a draw, a replay is staged. If a replay finishes in a draw, 20 minutes of extra time are played (10 minutes per half). If the game is still tied, another replay is staged.
The sliotar can be carried in a number of ways: caught in the hand and carried, struck in the air, or struck on the ground with the wooden stick (called hurl). The ball can be carried for not more than four steps.
The most common reasons of fouling are: pushing, kicking, holding, jumping on the opponent, blocking the opponent with the hand or arm. The game after foul starts with a kick similar to fee kick in football. Players can be punished with yellow and red cards (similarly to football).
The match is judged by 8 judges: one on the pitch, two on the line, one technical referee (only in international matches, his function is the same as in football) and four auxiliary judges, who stand two at each end of the field.