The skort will be mandatory in Camogie for the foreseeable after a motion to make shorts acceptable wasn't passed at the Camogie Congress today. The skort has been becoming increasingly unpopular among players over the past few years with many calling for shorts to at least be made an option for players.
The movement to bring in shorts began in early 2023 when players from the Thomas McCurtains club in London launched it 'Shorts Not Skorts' campaign.
They conducted a survey of 240 players and found that 82% of players preferred to wear shorts, 98% if people believe women should be more comfortable with their clothing in sports, 75% if people say the skort does not reflect current society and 95% believe there is inequality between men and women in sport.
The London club was able to garner 632 signatures for their petition and after the motion was deferred by a year, it was voted on at Camogie Congress today.
Camogie skorts to stay...for now
The first motion to replace skorts with shorts lost the vote by 64% to 34%.
The second motion to have shorts as an acceptable alternative but not replace skorts also lost, losing 55% to 45%.
It's a move that hasn't impressed many in the Camogie community, and one wonders what the results would be if it was players who got to decide. Dublin's Aisling Maher as well as two Limerick players Mary O'Callaghan and Niamh Brennan were among the players to vert frustration at the decision on social media. Tipperary Camogie - who brought forward the motion - were extremely disappointed.
A really frustrating outcome for players who have continuously expressed desires to be allowed to wear shorts.
Archaic to still have the powers that be deciding we have to wear skorts when no player opts to wear them at training due to obvious discomfort and impracticality https://t.co/B8Gb1pWkPR— Aisling Maher (@aisling_maher) April 6, 2024
Imagine having to explain to someone who is not familiar with the game that in 2024 we have to wear an uncomfortable skirt to play or else our club gets fined, the sole reason for the skirt being that we are women and we should remain feminine! 🦖🦖🦖 https://t.co/xOKXaytGeS
— Gillian Mc Kenna (@GillianMcKenna6) April 6, 2024
Ahhh now. Majority vote from the players to have shorts as an option at least. If only we were listened to!
Only a matter of time before this goes through .. hopefully some day soon 🤞🏼 https://t.co/XL8FDHCLHf
— Mary O Callaghan (@marycala8) April 6, 2024
Ah stop🙈🙈🙈 https://t.co/vTYJQSKDzQ
— Niamh Brennan (@Niamh_Mulcahy) April 6, 2024
Very disappointed to report that our motion to replace "skorts" with "shorts" was defeated at @OfficialCamogie Congress today.
Gutted for all the players and clubs in Tipperary who voted overwhelmingly for this change.
— Tipperary Camogie (@camogietipp) April 6, 2024
It seems like a matter of time before shorts become and acceptable alternative to skorts but it will have to wait at least another year.
SEE ALSO: Clare's Four Daly Sisters At Core Of New Banner Camogie Era
