The enduring debate over the requirement for camogie players to wear skorts seems to be an antiquated argument. The issue flared up again as officials at the annual camogie congress were recently called upon to vote on proposals requesting permission for the athletes to switch to shorts. A garment that combines both shorts and skirts, the skorts are mandated by the camogie regulations for all its athletes to wear. However, a substantial 82 per cent majority of the players finds the skorts restrictive and uncomfortable, according to a survey conducted by the Thomas MacCurtain GAA club based in London last year. They would rather sport shorts, which they typically wear during practices.
Thus, it was generally anticipated that the voting officials at the Camogie Association congress would heed the favor of the players and vote in support of their preferences. Still, contrary to this expectation, 64 per cent decided against a proposal seeking to abolish the mandatory wearing of skorts, while 55 per cent voted not to allow shorts as an optional choice. The delegates to the congress were completely correct in their judgement.
The introduction of skorts in the 1970s followed years of female athletes required to don outfits lawfully inappropriate for any sportive activity, beginning with skirts that had a maximum length limit of just six inches above the ground. The utmost necessity was to maintain femininity, modesty was also a factor, rather than the comfortability of the athletes. The transition to skorts was aimed at striking a balance.
The association has been frequently labelled as being sluggish to adapt with changing times, and criticised for not sufficiently consulting the actual participants of the sport. The outcome of these votes has only served to reinforce this impression. Camogie has pressing matters like player well-being, compensation, quality of training facilities, scheduling conflicts, game regulations and so on to address, yet this was just another signal for the present athletes that their opinions seldom hold weight. They should not have to wait till 2027 for their voices to be heard, which is when the Camogie Association is set to merge fully with the GAA.