Since January 1st 2013, it has been mandatory for players in age grades up to and including minor to wear a mouthguard in all Gaelic football practice sessions and games. From January 1st 2014, this rule will apply to Gaelic footballers in all age grades.
KEY POINTS
⢠Gaelic footballers in all age grades must wear a mouthguard from January 1st 2014
⢠A properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries
⢠Players can be sent-off in a game for not wearing a mouthguard
⢠Players will not be covered under the GAA player injury scheme if they donât comply with the mouthguard rule
⢠No Mouthguard? No Game!
ROLE OF THE REFEREE
If a player refuses to comply with a Refereeâs instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will incur the penalty as outlined in (Rule 6.2, Rules of Foul Play, The Playing Rules of Football, Official Guide, Part 2, 2012) âCaution the offender; order off if he persistsâ.
ROLE OF THE PLAYER
Players must ensure that they have mouthguards and wear them during Gaelic football practice sessions and games. In addition, players must abide by the refereeâs instruction during games.
ROLE OF THE CLUB
Clubs must ensure that their players, playerâs parents/guardians, coaches and team mentors are made aware of the mouthguard rule and ensure compliance within the Club setting.
ROLE OF THE OFFICIAL GAA COACH IN SCHOOLS
If an official GAA coach is coaching Gaelic football in primary schools then children must wear a mouthguard to participate in a practice session or game.
PE LESSONS IN SCHOOLS
In terms of PE lessons, the GAA has no control over what activities or games teachers choose to deliver during PE time. However, we would advise that wearing mouthguards for Gaelic games will significantly reduce the risk of sustaining dental injuries and that it would be prudent for each School to have a policy in this regard.
GAA PLAYER INJURY SCHEME
Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard. The claim form has been updated to reflect this new requirement. Please ensure that only the most recent edition of the claim is used from January 1st 2013. Use of the old claim form will result in delays in claims processing times. The most recent version of the claim form is available on GAA.ie under Club Zone - GAA Insurance and Injury Scheme and also at Willis.ie under Group Scheme - GAA Injury Scheme
MORE INFORMATION
- Medical and Player Welfare â E: playerwelfare@gaa.ie, T: (0) 1 865 8685
- GAA/GPA Mouthguards â E: barry.cahill@gaa.ie
Download the GAA Mouthguard Information Sheet
