Compulsory wearing of mouthguards by underage players

Further information can be found on the GAA Website here

The compulsory wearing of mouthguards in all underage grades up to and including minor for Gaelic football matches and practice sessions came in to practice on January 1 2013. From January 1 2014, this rule will apply to all players at all age grades. The move to make the wearing of mouthguards obligatory reiterates the GAA’s long-term commitment to player welfare.

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.

Official OPRO GAA/GPA ‘stock’ and ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards, a joint commercial venture on the part of the GAA and GPA are now available to buy. The mouthguards range in price from €8 to €33 and are available through retailers such as SuperValu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys.

Please note that it is the players own responsibility to purchase a mouthguard.