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Just reading this article about the u14 game and couldnt help but notice the image and how the 2 guys gumshields are hanging out of their mouths.
I know from this year on that its compulsary for all players u18 and lower to wear gumshields and thats a positive move.
However, are the kids/parents been given the correct advise when it comes to purchasing or fitting these?

Its clear from that image that those particular players gumshields are either too big, or werent fitted to the lads teeth properly in the first place. If either of those lads got hit in the mouth those gumshields would do much more harm than good. they'd be better without them in that instance.
Those 2 lads look to have a choking hazzard rather than protective equipment in their mouths and its something ive seen with loads of other kids at under-age games too.

Is it something that needs to be addressed be clubs asap before a kid chokes or does damage with one thats not properly fitted or the correct size.

Jinxie (Meath) - Posts: 6348 - 23/05/2013 15:38:30    1389805

That's the first thought that came into my head when i saw the picture. Problem is that most parents will end up buying over the counter gumshields as they are a good bit cheaper than the properly fitted ones. The over the counter ones aren't tailored to any specific ages/sizes, are uncomfortable to wear and make breathing difficult. However, as long as they remain significantly cheaper than the fitted ones, parents will continue to buy them. I've heard that a few clubs are getting all of their senior players fitted for gumshields with the same dentist and are getting large discounts as a result. This seems to be the best way to go about it.

uptheross (Meath) - Posts: 78 - 23/05/2013 16:24:09    1389866

Jinxie
Good post. I believe there is probably loads of kids with gumshields that are incorrectly sized and therefore you will witness loads of kids during games with gumshields hanging out of players mouths like those two pictured. However my own son has had one correctly sized and has great difficulty in getting used to it. He finds it a lot more difficult breathing normally with gumshield in place. I have noticed him several times throughout games with the gumshield hanging from mouth like in picture and more often than not with it out altogether. It is seriously driving him to distraction during the game and I found myself telling him to remove it completely during one particular game and place it in his sock. I know this is wrong as I agree with the ruling but are other kids struggling to get used to these or is my lad just the exception?

Greenwood (Meath) - Posts: 210 - 23/05/2013 16:34:39    1389877

Greenwood,

Thats a very good point. It happened myself when I started wearing one first a few years ago and I kept getting a choking sensation, and this was with a fitted one that had cost €150 from the dentist, and like you mentioned in your example, mine spent most of the game in my sock which is no use.

uptheross,

Yeah there are clubs doing that and its a great idea. I got another one myself at the start of the season from gumshield pro online (think they are based in Navan, actually seen the link on this site) and it is the best fitting one Ive got and only cost about €30 I think. They sent out a compound that you mix and them place in template gumshield, one of four sizes, then you send it back and they send you out your gumshield.
So for €30 to get a proper fit, compared to 420/€25 for an over the counter one, then thats definatly one to be getting kids.


Its something that clubs could take control of maybe and offer parents a bit of direction in relation to getting these fitting.

Jinxie (Meath) - Posts: 6348 - 23/05/2013 16:54:35    1389907

I have hs against about eard that to have one fitted is about €50 about €5 for one over the counter. If that's true then obviously parents will opt for the much cheaper version. You have to remember that a good percentage of team members will loose these every time they play, ask anyone who sweep out the dressing rooms. It could become a very expensive piece of equipment at the end of a year.

The real Árd Rí (Meath) - Posts: 990 - 23/05/2013 16:56:15    1389910

The real Árd Rí
County: Meath

Well thats the other side of it too, its a small item and can get lost, but at the end of the day, it is compulsary, so if little johnny keeps leaving it behind him, then he'll be on the bench and that might sharpen his memory when togging in....

Jinxie (Meath) - Posts: 6348 - 23/05/2013 17:10:57    1389935

I have 2 lads who play one is 11 and he uses the higher end ,over the counter and the 5 year old well we bought 3 different kinds all far t of big had to pair down one which gets 10-15 mins of play and then it's thrown aside . I refuse to buy dentist ones as both are still growing and I'd have to replace every year .

royalpainter (Meath) - Posts: 874 - 23/05/2013 17:20:38    1389949

Good post however everyone seems to have a different opinion.I think that the kids are getting it very hard to adapt them especially the cheap ones which most parents are buying.I think the gaa could have done more as regarding funding for proper ones,it health and safety at the end of the day and when your asked to wear something for that reason you are usually supplied with it.Each county board should have been allocated monies and let them pass it through counties and clubs as where needed(some clubs would need more than others e.g bigger population).Saying that i have watched rugby time to time at a local club and on television and you cant help but notice that players take them out at every opportunity for a while obviously to take a deeper breath or just a break.I for one am not a bit surprised by the image above as the gaa just impose these rules and hope that everything just works out itself.now i for one am totally in favor of making the game safer but croke park could have done more as regards funding for proper ones.They are selling in my local shop for 2 euro each and are in great demand.

MIGHT SOUND LIKE A SILLY QUESTION BUT IF A REFEREE NOTICES A PLAYER NOT WEARING THEM CAN HE ASK THE PLAYER TO LEAVE THE FIELD OF PLAY ??

IF SO AND THE PLAYER BORROWS SOME OTHER GUYS IS THIS NOT BREAKING HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL ?

NOT ENOUGH DONE BY CROKE PARK HERE AS REGARDS HEALTH AND SAFETY.

thelutch (Meath) - Posts: 1146 - 24/05/2013 13:59:30    1390528

Gumshields - if they are the incorrect size then more harm will be done wearing them. Personally I think the GAA are loosing the plot and it should hve been optional for a few years. This whole thing is far two expensive at this stage and perhaps if the GAA had been doing their job effectively and efficiently they would have done a deal nationwide with our overrpriced dentists. As regards health & safety perhaps the safest thing would be to stay at home - in bed!! or just watch the games over a high fence.

browncows (Meath) - Posts: 2342 - 24/05/2013 14:13:58    1390552

I believe its not compulsory to wear them, but if you break your teeth your paying for it your self. Its the insurance companies driving the issue and maybe rightly so.

NAIL_BAR (Meath) - Posts: 457 - 24/05/2013 15:44:17    1390668

NAIL_BAR
County: Meath
Posts: 371

1390668
I believe its not compulsory to wear them, but if you break your teeth your paying for it your self. Its the insurance companies driving the issue and maybe rightly so.

Are you sure about that?

My understanding is that 2013 it was compulsary up to minor and 2014 it was compulsary at all levels. Are you 100% sure this is not the case?

Jinxie (Meath) - Posts: 6348 - 24/05/2013 16:05:42    1390694

They need to be worn to prevent injust! Simple

meathguy123 (Meath) - Posts: 16 - 24/05/2013 17:51:51    1390784

Nailbar
I think your right about it having alot to do with insurance companies and getting insurance same reason helmets were made compulsory in hurling.
I have no problem with gumshields, they protect the teeth aswell as offering jaw protection and can help prevent concussions.

hound (Meath) - Posts: 234 - 24/05/2013 20:42:22    1390871

I myself play both rugby and football and feel that a gumshield is a nuisance during a football match. I have a professionally fitted gumshield and still find it very hard to breathe with it in. During a rugby match there is a break after every couple of minutes to take your gumshield out and breathe properly, however in a football match there is no breaks and you are running all the time so there is no chance to take out your gumshield and breathe properly.

northsideblues8 (Meath) - Posts: 4 - 24/05/2013 21:13:43    1390888

Gumshields are compulsory for ALL underage player (up to 18 yrs) from 1/1/2013. From the 1/1/2014 they will be compulsory for everyone else. And yes a ref can send off a player who does not comply. (this has already happened on a few occasions in Meath this year)

onthebench (None) - Posts: 35 - 24/05/2013 21:27:23    1390896

Thanks for clearing that onthebench,

Should have mentioned in my previous post that I was open to correction.

I think its a good idea anyway, ask anyone who has got a bad knock in the mouth and had teeth damage or a broken jaw on the field of play.

The slight discomfort from a gum shield is a small price to pay.

NAIL_BAR (Meath) - Posts: 457 - 25/05/2013 09:00:11    1390928