Adult footballers - reminder Gum Shield Rule
- Jul 06,2017
The wearing of gum shields is now mandatory for ALL footballers both Juvenile and Adult (Rule 413 of the Official Guide) since the 1st of January 2017.
KEY POINTS
• Ladies Gaelic footballers in all age grades must wear a mouth guard from January 1st 2017
• It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouth guard
• Players will be ordered off in a game for not wearing a mouth guard and will remain off the pitch until the situation is ratified
• Players will not be covered under the Injury Fund if they don’t comply with the mouth guard rule
ROLE OF THE REFEREE
If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouth guard, she shall be asked to rectify the situation. Should she refuse to do so the referee shall order her off the field until the situation is rectified.
ROLE OF THE PLAYER
In all Games and Practice Football Sessions, it shall be mandatory for, and the responsibility of, each individual player to use a mouth guard.
ROLE OF THE CLUB
Clubs should ensure that their players, player’s parents/guardians, coaches and team mentors are made aware of the mouth guard rules.
LGFA INJURY FUND
Players will not be covered under the injury fund if they are not wearing a mouth guard. It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouth guard.
LIMITATION OF LEGAL LIABILITY
These Rules shall not impose on any Referee, Linesman, Umpire, Side line Official, Team Official or Unit any legal duty of care or legal responsibility (which duty shall remain with individual Players, and if relevant, Parents, Guardians or other persons legally responsible for them).
SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED
What will happen if a player is not wearing a mouth guard in a game?
A. If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouth guard, she will initially be asked to rectify the situation by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can order her off until the situation is rectified.
Who is responsible for ensuring mouth guards are worn at training or practice sessions?
A. It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouth guard. Clubs and players should note that players will not be covered under the Injury Fund if they are not wearing a mouth guard.
Do referees have to check all players’ mouths before a game to ensure compliance?
Referees will not be expected to individually check players before a game; however, if a referee notices that a player is not wearing a mouth guard, s/he should ask the player to rectify the situation and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can order her off until the situation is rectified.
Players who currently wear orthodontic braces, what are their options?
A. It has been noted that players wearing orthodontic braces and wishing to play Gaelic football will be particularly concerned about the mouth guard rule; however, the LGFA recommends that these players seek advice from a range of dental practitioners on the most appropriate solution for them. The player must request a letter of support from their dental practitioner and keep this with them.