KATIE O’Driscoll has backed the new playing rule enhancements designed to speed up and improve ladies football.

Having seen the impact rule changes had on the men’s game last year, the Cork senior is hopeful the new LGFA rules – to be trialled in the upcoming 2026 Lidl National Football League – will have a similar positive influence on ladies football.

‘I think they will be really beneficial. Obviously, it’s something we are focusing on a lot in training. It’s hard to learn and get used to, but I think they are helping to speed up the game and make it more interesting,’ O’Driscoll told The Southern Star.

‘Bringing in the men’s rules, such as the solo and go and the mark, will speed up the game a lot more. Even the change to the tackle will make a difference, and was needed – the game is a lot different now in terms of physicality.’

The shared hope is that these 12 playing rule enhancements can spark an exciting new era for ladies football.

Six of the changes mirror those introduced to the men’s game: the kick-out mark, two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half at all times, solo and go, and frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline. Short restarts within the 40-metre arc will still be allowed.

The remaining six enhancements relate specifically to existing LGFA rules, including those around tackling. Players may now tackle with the ball even if it is in the body, provided the tackler uses open hands and makes contact with the ball.

Another trialled enhancement is designed to prevent collisions, allowing a player to use one or both hands to legally delay an opponent’s forward movement, provided the opponent has possession and contact is made below shoulder height.

At the conclusion of the national league, the Playing Rules Review Workgroup (PRRW) will complete a full evaluation of the enhancements and forward proposed motions to a special congress, with a view to introducing the rules across all competitions.

It is new territory for Clonakilty’s O’Driscoll and the Rebels, who begin their Division 1 campaign at home to Kildare on Sunday at MTU Cork, (2pm). Pre-season has focused on getting familiar with the new rules and understanding their impact, including the value of a two-pointer.

There could be a scenario where the top teams rack up even bigger scores than in previous seasons, something O’Driscoll admits is a concern.

‘I think it’s going to be make or break between teams. The two-pointer is not something that you see in ladies’ games unfortunately. If one team has one good two-point taker, it will be the difference between teams in the league and other teams that can’t do it,’ she explained.

‘If teams struggle to score two-pointers, it will be difficult. There are certain teams that thrive on them. Look at Kerry – very good at two-pointers. They have their natural kickers and that will be vital. You have to defend higher up in both cases, I suppose, and be careful in conceding (long-range) frees.’

So, are Cork practising long-range shooting?

‘That is something we haven’t focused on too much at the moment. It’s something that will come on the day type of thing. It’s also something that can make a difference and could be big at the start of the league,’ O’Driscoll added.

On a positive note, the Clon woman believes the enhancements will encourage faster, more attacking football. Certain rules from the men’s game were introduced with little complaint – and ladies footballers will be hoping for the same impact.

‘I think the solo and go is really good. You can see in the men’s game that it speeds up the game. Players are not standing around as much. If you are on the attack and someone cuts you off, it’s great to keep going. I think it’s already a lot faster,’ O’Driscoll said.

‘In our training, we can see that everyone needs to have higher fitness levels for this kind of game. I do think it will improve the game. There will be a lot more attacking situations. There won’t be packed defences with three up the whole time. Bringing in the mark and solo and go, there will be a lot more skill emphasis on it. That will make the game a lot more enjoyable for everybody.’

O’Driscoll will also play college football with MTU Cork this year, which could be an added advantage as the rule enhancements will also be trialled in Higher Education Colleges competitions.

‘I’m not sure if that’s an advantage, even though I do think it’s good they are being brought into college. If we were playing a league game on a Sunday, a college game on a Thursday and the rules were different, it would be very difficult to keep up with it,’ she said.

One team O’Driscoll would also relish trying the new rules with is her club side.

‘It is something I would love to come in at club level. I know, as a Clonakilty team, it is something that we’d enjoy a lot,’ she said.

‘We’ll have to see if they come into the inter-county championships first, so hopefully it passes. The level could be brought up at club with these new rules,’ O’Driscoll added.