There was confusion in Parnell Park, Arklow during Wicklow’s opening Keogh Cup match as Bosco O’Neill scored 3 points from frees against Roscommon without his helmet. The referee said it was within the rules to take off the helmet to take frees, much to the dismay of the Roscommon manager.
The compulsory use of helmets has caused quite a stir among the Hurling community with many players unhappy that the requirement is compulsory at all levels despite many players not using the head safety equipment previously in their careers.
The following is a message from Ruairí Mac Lannchaidh which confirms the rule and how it should be applied:
A chara,
I have received a number of queries in relation to the above particularly in regard to whether the ruling applies to training sessions and in order to clarify the position I set the ruling:
From the 1st January 2010, the following applies to all players at all levels up to and including Senior grade:
(a) In all Hurling Games and Hurling Practice Sessions it is mandatory for all players to
wear helmets with a facial guard.
(b) Helmets shall be approved for use on the basis of compliance with standards and tests
set out in IS:355 as determined by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
Currently the approved helmets are the Mycro, Marc and Azzurri.
I would also like to point out that the GAA Injury Scheme will only operate for hurling injuries if the injured player was wearing an approved helmet.
–
Ruairí Mac Lannchaidh
Bainisteoir Riosca agus Árachais / Risk and Insurance Manager
