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Gum-Shields for Underage 2013

  • 06-02-2013 7:02pm
    #1
    Max Power
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,072 ✭✭✭


    I was at a schools match the other day and I noticed a number of players not wearing gum-shields. The majority were wearing them but I counted at least 5 players that weren't.

    I wonder has it made much of a difference for players? I know it's coming in for everyone in 2014 and I imagine there will be some resistance as gum-shields can cause breathing difficulties. Also not to mention the cost of them.

    Basically my question is how have they been received so far?


Comments

  • #2
    Squareball2010
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 80 ✭✭Squareball2010


    Max Power wrote: »
    I was at a schools match the other day and I noticed a number of players not wearing gum-shields. The majority were wearing them but I counted at least 5 players that weren't.

    I wonder has it made much of a difference for players? I know it's coming in for everyone in 2014 and I imagine there will be some resistance as gum-shields can cause breathing difficulties. Also not to mention the cost of them.

    Basically my question is how have they been received so far?


    Well I must admit I'm not one bit surprised to hear you noticed at least 5 players not wearing gum shields...pity the referee wasn't paying as much attention as you!

    I think like anything it is going to be a slow process and a bit of a learning curve for players to a) remember to wear them and b) get in the habit of wearing them.

    Realistically it is a rule..its there in black and white and a player CANNOT and SHOULD not be allowed to play without one up to minor level. Why? They are not covered by GAA player insurance if they receive an injury as a result of not wearing a gum shield.


    It's going to just become a simple thing as you can't take to a hurling match without also sporting a helmet...its the rule and thats all there is to it. Mind you its easier to notice a player without a helmet vs a player without a gum shield.

    How is it being received? Some clubs/teams are enforcing it rigorously (and rightly so) by not allowing players even train without one. But then for every one of those you'll have a club that are laissez-faire in relation to enforcing it and leaving it to the responsibility of the player.

    It's time for referees and coaches to step up to the plate and ensure its enforced and obeyed properly. Its not all bad...it is for the good of a player after all.

    I know if I'd been wearing one I wouldn't have had half an incisor knocked out!! :rolleyes:


  • #3
    Squidgy Black
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,741 ✭✭✭✭Squidgy Black


    I'm playing 2nd year minor at the moment, and senior football with my school, and with both teams we're not allowed train with out one. I've noticed that the refs aren't paying much attention to whether lads have them in or not, I've seen a few lads take them out after the ball's been thrown in etc. I nearly had my two front teeth knocked out a couple of years ago after a lad fell on top of me with his knee clashing with my face, so I'm certainly happy they made them compulsory.


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