Mouthguards
Monday, January 7, 2013
The GAA recently announced details of the forthcoming
national roll-out of the compulsory wearing of mouthguards in all
underage grades up to and including minor for Gaelic football
matches and practice sessions from 1st January, 2013. In addition,
from 1st January, 2014, this rule will apply to all players at all
age grades. The move to make the wearing of mouthguards obligatory
reiterates the Association's long-term commitment to player
welfare.
Research figures indicate that Ireland has one of the
highest rates of sport-related oral injuries in the EU, with one
third of all adult dental injuries being sports-related. In many
sports such as rugby and hockey, the wearing of gumshields is the
norm with nearly all Clubs adhering strictly to a 'no gumshield -
no game' rule. Significantly, if a player refuses to comply he can
be sent-off and players will not be covered under the GAA Player
Injury Scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard. Information on
the use of mouthguards for clubs, parents and players can be found
at http://gaa.ie/medical-and-player-welfare/mouthguards/
.
The GAA are also pleased to announce that an agreement has
been reached to distribute GAA/GPA mouthguards. The product range
includes both boil and bite mouthguards and custom fitted
mouthguards. The boil and bite mouthguards are now available to
purchase. They come in four categories of protection: bronze,
silver, gold and platinum. They are available for purchasing
through the following local retailers: Supervalu, Centra,
Lifestyle, Elverys and O'Neills.
Please note that the Club Shop in Old Conna also stocks
approved mouthguards.