Congress to discuss a motion calling for the COMPULSORY wearing of gumshields of ALL GAA players from underage club right up to intercounty senior. Who came up with this rule? It's true they protect the mouth from injury but it should be by choice. I know from my playing days I could never wear one. If affects the breathing in some people and are uncomfortable. It's getting to a stage where cotton wool will soon be compulsory.

I think its crazy to be forced upon players. What are your opinions?

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11656 - 15/04/2011 17:58:55    912425

Congress to discuss a motion calling for the COMPULSORY wearing of gumshields of ALL GAA players from underage club right up to intercounty senior. Who came up with this rule? It's true they protect the mouth from injury but it should be by choice. I know from my playing days I could never wear one. If affects the breathing in some people and are uncomfortable. It's getting to a stage where cotton wool will soon be compulsory.

I think its crazy to be forced upon players. What are your opinions?
yew_tree , 15/04/2011 at 17:58

ridiculous for hurlers as the cage helmet protects the mouth anyway I can see merit for footballers when you see elbows into the face etc like Cadogan against Armagh

thurlesblues (Tipperary) - Posts: 4475 - 15/04/2011 18:26:37    912451

I find the same with it affecting my breathing. I just can't wear it at all.

Blue and Black (Monaghan) - Posts: 187 - 15/04/2011 18:27:08    912452

Should definitely be each player's choice.

kefan (Kildare) - Posts: 498 - 15/04/2011 18:46:07    912459

Having seen at first hand the awful injuries that can be caused by not wearing a gumshield, I would be strongly agree with making them compulsory. Most orthodontists do fitted gumshields and do great deals for sports clubs. Would much prefer to fork out €20 and be uncomfortable for an hour than having to have an operation, plastic surgery and a permanent scar (which happened a guy I know)

As OP said, the faceguard should be adequate in hurling but when it comes to football, even an accidental collision can cause serious harm. Make it compulsory as soon as possible in my view.

Long.Dub.Glic (Dublin) - Posts: 190 - 15/04/2011 19:04:26    912465

Don't agree with it in hurling at all. I do wear one myself playing football.

roundball (Tipperary) - Posts: 2514 - 15/04/2011 19:27:33    912475

Probably a good idea, but. How is it going to be enforced, will the ref have to get lads into a crush before the game to check them out, (Cue,50 pairs rubber gloves will be compulsory for refs, on health and safety grounds) will there be somebody keeping an eye on every player during the game to make sure they haven't "dropped" it, might be a suitable job for the umpires as they seem to observe loads of stuff that the rest of us never see. At the end of the day congress is the holy grail of most officials, they spend the dry season racking their brains to come up with some motion or other that might get them a moment of limelight. Sure if it wasn't for all the motions there would be no need to stay overnight

dhorse (Laois) - Posts: 11374 - 15/04/2011 19:43:41    912485

I tried one myself for a while hurling before they brought in the helmet rule, it does affect the breathing alright, and on top of that found it impossible to say anything with it in

game.on.now.ger (Galway) - Posts: 423 - 15/04/2011 19:57:46    912495

They used to effect my breathing, but once I started smoking I hardly noticed anymore.

festinog (Galway) - Posts: 3152 - 15/04/2011 20:09:36    912499

festinog
County: Galway
Posts: 909

912499 They used to effect my breathing, but once I started smoking I hardly noticed anymore.

You're meant to take it out after the game.

dhorse (Laois) - Posts: 11374 - 15/04/2011 20:17:36    912507

@dhorse - that would explain the strange burning rubber smell!

festinog (Galway) - Posts: 3152 - 15/04/2011 20:25:56    912515

Totally stupid idea. Same with the helmets. If you have a fully grown adult going out to play then surely they could decide themselves whether or not the want to wear them? If the rule is brought in then it will be impossible to enforce it. Imagine a ref at a junior b match going around checking every players mouth, total farcical suggestion and the sooner the better idiot like the people who come up with these ideas find something constructive to be doing wit their time. Just out of interest i wonder will players get a say in this?

890202 (Wexford) - Posts: 1278 - 16/04/2011 21:08:16    912962

I became convinced of the helmets for hurlers rule when I heard about the sheer number of players getting serious injuries to mouths and eyes, men and women. If there are some damning stats about footballers losing teeth, that would go some way to convincing me about the gumshields. Heard of plenty of jaws getting broke but from fighting rather than during play.

Suas Sios (None) - Posts: 1558 - 16/04/2011 21:17:13    912978

A gum shield wont stop a jaw getting broken.

890202 (Wexford) - Posts: 1278 - 16/04/2011 21:24:17    912983

i cant breath properly when i play wearing a gumshield. hope this doesn't come in. next we will be made dress like american footballers and wear hurling helmets as well as playing on a padded pitch

BettystownRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 3353 - 16/04/2011 22:00:13    913021

Haven't taken to a football pitch without a gumhield since I was 9. Has saved my teeth on many occasion. My brother the same. Got an elbow in a match about 4 years ago and was pretty direct hit so still had to go to dentist-said if I hadnt the gumshield I'd have lost at least 3 teeth at front. For young players gumshields should be mandatory. Unfortunately a lot of people get the cheap ones from sports shops, these are nowhere close to the proper ones your dentist will make. Same as hurling helmets- anyone stupid enough to play without one deserves whatever they get.

icehonesty (Wexford) - Posts: 2581 - 17/04/2011 09:01:11    913029

890202
County: Wexford
Posts: 215

912983 A gum shield wont stop a jaw getting broken.

True, much the same as wearing a helmet wont stop your leg getting broken, but still not compelling reasons not to use either

dhorse (Laois) - Posts: 11374 - 17/04/2011 13:40:25    913159

No but i was only replying to the previous post.

890202 (Wexford) - Posts: 1278 - 17/04/2011 16:12:26    913218

890202 why the hell did you name yourself that? given a number by your parents instead of A NAME? maybe theres that many in your family you were just numbered?

BettystownRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 3353 - 17/04/2011 18:45:47    913371

Have wore a gunshield since i was 18.
Got it made at the dentist the day i got my braces off my teeth.
Unfortunately it didnt stop me getting a few broken teeth on a night out but it has saved them during matches many times over.
I dont even notice it now and id feel naked without one not to mention vulnerable much like i would if i didnt wear a helmet in hurling.
Hasn't affected my breathing, i dont notice any difference between a hurling match and a football match.

bosch (Derry) - Posts: 873 - 18/04/2011 08:59:17    913623