New Mouth Guard Rule - 1st Jan 2014

  • Dec 31,2013

MOUTH GUARDS IN LGFA

From January 1st 2014, it will be mandatory for all ladies Gaelic football players in age grades up to and including minor to wear a mouth guard in all practice sessions and games.

KEY POINTS

1.      Ladies Gaelic footballers in all age grades up to and including minor level must wear a mouth guard from January 1st 2014

2.      It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouth guard

3.      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

4.      Players will not be covered under the Injury Fund if they don’t comply with the mouth guard rule

5.      No Mouth guard? No Game!

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, Sideline 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

1. When does the new rule come into effect?

A. From January 1st 2014, players playing in grades up to and including minor will be required to wear a mouth guard in LGFA games and practice sessions.

2. What will happen if I am 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.

3. 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.

4. Do I have to wear a mouth guard whilst playing Second Level games?

A. Yes, if minor level or below

5. Do I have to wear a mouth guard whilst playing Third Level games?

A. Yes, if minor level or below

6. Do I have to wear a mouth guard if I am an underage player playing on a senior team?

A. Yes, all players minor or below must wear a mouth guard at all times.

7. Does this apply to International Units?

A. Yes. International Units are subject to the General Rules of the Association.

8. I’m a referee; do I have to check all players’ mouths before a game to ensure compliance?

A. 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.

9. I currently wear orthodontic braces, what are my options?

A. It has been noted that children wearing orthodontic braces and wishing to play Gaelic football will be particularly concerned about the rule change; 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