Author(s): MC COLGAN, A., BRADLEY, J., GAUL, D., MARTIN, D., Institution: TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY DUBLIN, Country: IRELAND, Abstract-ID: 1388

INTRODUCTION:
Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) is one of the largest female participated sports in Europe with over 200,000 registered participants. Teams aim to maintain possession whilst outscoring the opposition. Turnovers (TO) are a key characteristic of LGF, defined as a player in possession surrendering the ball to the opposition (1). Turnover rate, expressed as the percentage of possessions lost is a key indicator of possession dominance (2). In elite LGF winning teams reporting significantly lower TO rate compared to losing teams (1). This study aims to identify the main causes of turnovers in LGF, describe their characteristics, and examine how they influence team success.
METHODS:
22 games (978 Turnovers) from the 2025 season have been analysed using Nacsport Elite. 11 new variable definitions for turnover causes have been validated and defined. Validity and reliability of data collection have been completed and found within an acceptable range <0.05. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 29.
RESULTS:
Winning teams reported a significantly lower TO rate (46% v 61%) (p ≤0.20) and are more successful at turning their opposition in advanced areas of the pitch. Kick pass was the highest cause of TOs for winning (28%) and losing teams (31%). Second half (51%) and quarter 1 (27%) reported highest occurrence of TOS.
Winning teams were significantly better at converting TOs to shots (13±3 v 8±3) and scores (9±3 v 4±2) and goals (p≤0.05). Turnovers occurring in the defensive third had the highest Net point per TO return for both winning (0.58 net point per TO) and losing teams (0.52 net points per TO).

CONCLUSION:
Winning teams are significantly better at maintaining and using possession. They reported significantly lower TO rates and significantly higher conversions of TOs to shots, scores and goals. In light of the recent rule changes proposed by the LGFA this research provides an up to date benchmark profile for LGF performance. Thus, helping to assess the potential impact of the proposed rules on the game.

1. Kelly G, McKenna O, Courtney S, Collins K, Bradley J, Martin D. Benchmarking successful performances in elite Ladies Gaelic football. Int J Perform Anal Sport. 2022;22(1):51–65.
2. McGuigan K, Hughes M, Martin D. Performance indicators in club level Gaelic football. Int J Perform Anal Sport. 2018 Sep 3;18(5):780–95.