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GAA MOUTHGUARD INFORMATION
INFORMATION FOR CLUBS, COACHES, PLAYERS AND PARENTS
BACKGROUND
Since January 1st 2014, it has been mandatory for all players to wear a mouthguard in all
Gaelic football practice sessions and games.
KEY POINTS
Gaelic footballers must wear a mouthguard.
It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouthguard
A properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for
reducing the incidence and severity of sports-related dental injuries
Players can be sent-off in a game for not wearing a mouthguard
Players will not be covered under the GAA player injury scheme if they
don’t comply with the mouthguard rule
No Mouthguard? No Game!
This document has been compiled to assist GAA Clubs, players, parents, coaches and
referees in complying with the provisions of the rule.
ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS
There are three types of mouthguard:
Stock mouthguards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and
can generally be purchased in sports shops for in or around €5 each. However, little can be
done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, can make breathing and talking difficult, and they
provide limited protection. Dentists do not recommend their use, nonetheless, once they
carry the CE (European Conformity) mark they are acceptable in terms of complying with
the new rules.
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Boil and bite mouthguards can also be bought over the counter at most sports shops
and generally offer a better fit than stock
mouth protectors. The ‘boil and bite’
mouthguard is made from thermoplastic
material. It is placed in hot water to soften,
then placed in the mouth and shaped
around the teeth using finger and tongue
pressure. Dentists do not recommend their
use in general. Typically this type of
mouthguard will cost in the region of €8 to
€33 and again any mouthguard with the CE mark on it in this category is sufficient to ensure
compliance with the new rule.
Official OPRO GAA/GPA boil and bite mouthguards are available for
purchasing through the following retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle
Sports, Elverys, O’Neills and Heatons
Custom-fitted mouthguards are individually designed and made in a dental office or a
professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. These will not just offer the best
protection against dental and oral injury
but they should not affect performance i.e.
breathing and speech should be relatively
unaffected particularly if these have been
worn regularly. Firstly, your dentist will
make an impression of your teeth and a
mouthguard is then moulded over the
model using a special material. Due to the
use of the special material and because of
the extra time and work involved, a custom made mouthguard is more expensive than the
other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.
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Custom-fitted mouthguards by OPRO are available from a network of
dentists nationwide.
Prices can vary significantly and it is worth seeking and comparing prices from a number of
practitioners before deciding to purchase. Typically a custom-fitted mouthguard should cost
between €50 and €75. However, many dental practices offer significant reductions to GAA
Clubs that are ordering in bulk. GAA Clubs can generally liaise with dental centres and
clinics to arrange for someone to visit the Club on a given day to take dental impressions
from a number of players. Custom-fitted mouthguards purchased in bulk in this manner
should cost around €30 to €50 each.
To find a list of dentists and dental centres in your area, you can use
the ‘Find a Dentist’ function on the Irish Dental Association’s website -
https://www.dentist.ie/find-a-dentist.10.html
In addition, you can use the ‘Find a Dentist’ function offered by the
British Dental Association - https://bda.org/
findapractice
OPRO Custom-fitted range - https://www.opro.com/ie/sports-
mouth-guards/shop-by-sport/gaa.html
WHICH TYPE OF MOUTHGUARD SHOULD I PURCHASE?
The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal
preference. There is no doubt that custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and
protection but they are the most expensive option also. The ‘stock’ and ‘boil and bite’
options will suffice for compliance with the rules, but only if the product carries the CE
mark. It is essential that a player feels that his mouthguard is properly fitted. Should a
player feel that this is not the case; we would strongly advise that dental practitioners are
consulted with.
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In terms of underage players, it should be borne in mind that teeth and mouths are still
developing up until about 12 years of age and young players may grow out of custom-fitted
mouthguards over a period time. However, dental practitioners are ultimately in the best
position to give advice to individuals in this context.
HYGIENE ADVICE
Mouthguards can be rinsed with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after
each use and /or cleaned with toothpaste and a toothbrush
Occasionally clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly
Place the mouthguard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it, this
permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage
Protect the mouthguard from high temperatures - such as hot water, hot surfaces, or
direct sunlight to minimise distorting its shape
Occasionally check the mouthguard for general wear, if you find holes or tears in it
or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it
Bring the mouthguard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist
exam it
ROLE OF THE REFEREE
If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will incur
the penalty as outlined in (Rule 6.2, Rules of Foul Play, The Playing Rules of
Football, Official Guide, Part 2, 2022) ‘Caution the offender; order off if he persists’.
ROLE OF THE PLAYER
In all Football Games and Practice Football Sessions, it shall be mandatory for, and the
responsibility of, each individual player to use a mouthguard.
ROLE OF THE CLUB
Clubs should ensure that their players, player’s parents/guardians, coaches and team
mentors are made aware of the mouthguard rules.
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ROLE OF THE OFFICIAL GAA COACH IN SCHOOLS
If an official GAA coach is coaching Gaelic football in primary schools then children must
wear a mouthguard to participate in a practice session or game.
PE LESSONS IN SCHOOLS
In terms of PE lessons, the GAA has no control over what activities or games teachers
choose to deliver during PE time. However, we would advise that wearing mouthguards for
Gaelic games will significantly reduce the risk of sustaining dental injuries and that it would
be prudent for each School to have a policy in this regard.
GAA PLAYER INJURY SCHEME
Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a
mouthguard. In all Football Games and Practice Football Sessions, it shall be mandatory
for, and the responsibility of, each individual player to use a mouthguard.
INJURY PREVENTION
Research figures indicate that Ireland has one of the highest rates of sport-related oral
injuries in the EU, with one third of all adult dental injuries being sports-related. In many
sports such as rugby and hockey the wearing of mouthguards, also known as ‘mouth guards’
or ‘gum shields’ is the norm with nearly all Clubs adhering strictly to a 'no gumshield -
no game' rule. A survey of Irish parents found the average cost of emergency dental
treatment for sport related dental injuries in children to be €214.23. Studies have
also shown that the overall injury risk is close to twice as high when a mouthguard is not
worn, relative to when a mouthguard is used during athletic activity.
The introduction of this rule has led to a drop of 37% in the number of dental injury claims
made via the GAA Injury benefit fund, resulting from incidents in Gaelic football training
sessions and matches in grades up to Minor in 2013. At adult level a similar drop of 39%
occurred in 2014 proving the benefits of wearing a mouthguard in reducing the risk of
dental injuries.
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The GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee has acknowledged that the use of a
properly fitted mouthguard is the best available protective device for reducing the incidence
and severity of sports-related dental injuries and was centrally involved in ensuring the
introduction of compulsory mouthguards in Gaelic football.
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. What will happen if I am not wearing a mouthguard in a game?
A. If a player refuses to comply with a Referee’s instruction to wear a mouthguard, he will
initially be cautioned by the Referee and if the player continues to refuse, the Referee can
send him off.
2. Who is responsible for ensuring mouthguards are worn at training or
practice sessions?
A. It is the responsibility of each individual player to use a mouthguard. Clubs and
players should note that players will not be covered under the GAA Player Injury Scheme if
they are not wearing a mouthguard.
3. Do players have to wear a mouthguard in Hurling games?
A. No. The rule only applies to Gaelic football; however, wearing a mouthguard whilst
playing Hurling does reduce the risk of dental injury.
4. Our Club has a nursery, are children in these juvenile age groups exempt
from wearing a mouthguard?
A. No. The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee advise that children should begin
wearing a mouthguard at whatever age they start playing. Young mouths need protecting
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too and if players start wearing mouthguards at a young age this will add greatly to the
development of a culture of wearing mouthguards in Gaelic football.
5. Does this rule apply to Ladies Football?
A. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has announced that from January 1
st
2014,
all underage players must wear a mouthguard whilst playing Ladies Gaelic Football.
6. Does the rule regarding the wearing of mouthguards apply to games in
Primary Schools?
A. If an official GAA coach is coaching Gaelic Football in primary schools then children must
wear a mouthguard to participate in a practice session or game.
7. Do children have to wear mouthguards for PE sessions?
A. In terms of PE lessons, the GAA has no control over what activities or games
teachers choose to deliver during PE time. However, we would advise that wearing
mouthguards for Gaelic games will significantly reduce the risk of sustaining dental injuries.
8. Does therule regarding the wearing of mouthguards apply to Cumann na
mBuncsol Football practice sessions and games?
A. Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta are subject to the General Rules of the Association, it is a
matter for each School to ensure that the rule is adhered to by their pupils in practice
sessions and football games.
10. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Second Level games?
A. Yes.
11. Do I have to wear a mouthguard whilst playing Third Level games?
A. Yes.
12. Does this apply to overseas players?
A. Yes. International Units are subject to the General Rules of the Association.
13. I’m a referee; do I have to check all players’ mouths before a game to ensure
compliance?
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A. Referees are not be expected to individually check players before a game; however, if a
referee notices that a player is not wearing a mouthguard, he should caution the player and
if the player still refuses to wear one, he should be sent off.
14. 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, however, the GAA recommends that these
players seek advice from a range of dental practitioners on the most appropriate solution
for them.
15. Is there an official GAA/GPA mouthguard?
A. Yes, there is a full range of official OPRO GAA/GPA mouthguards available in bronze,
silver, gold, platinum, junior and custom-fitted ranges. Official OPRO GAA/GPA ‘boil and
bite’ mouthguards are available for purchasing through the following retailers: SuperValu,
Centra, Lifestyle Sports, Elvery Sports, O’Neills and Heatons. Custom-fitted mouthguards
are available through a network of dentists nationwide -
MORE INFORMATION
Medical and Player Welfare – E: [email protected] T: (01) 819 2923
For the latest information, visit - https://
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