The Women’s Gaelic Players Association has secured a new mouthguard partnership with OPRO, ahead of the forthcoming national roll-out of the compulsory wearing of mouthguards for all adult players.
It has been a mandatory requirement for all players in other age groups, up to and including minors, since 2014 and now the mouthguard rule will also apply to adult players from January 1st 2017.
OPRO will be the supplying the WGPA with Gold standard mouthguards for all members who play Ladies Football and will be the recommended mouthguard of choice of the WGPA.
Players not wearing a mouthguard can be removed from the field of play by the referee until the situation is rectified. They will also not be covered by the LGFA injury fund if they are not wearing a mouthguard during a training session or game and as a consequence suffer dental or mouth injuries.
The new partnership was warmly welcomed by WGPA chair Aoife Lane, stating ‘we are delighted to partner with OPRO, and welcome their generosity to our members. It is always refreshing to encounter companies who are willing and keen to support female athletes.’
OPRO Sales Director Richard Evans said ‘We are equally delighted that the WGPA has chosen OPRO as its official mouthguard supplier. Injury to teeth and gums during sport can be a traumatic experience for a player, easily prevented by wearing a well-fitting mouthguard. OPRO’s 20 years’ experience in manufacturing mouthguards means WGPA players can take part in their sport fully confident that their teeth and gums have the best protection in the game.’
Armagh’s three time all-star, Caroline O’Hanlon, who also works as a doctor, was in attendance at the launch and recognised the importance of the new partnership. ‘I think these mouthguards will be such a big help, I’ve experienced a broken jaw before when I wasn’t wearing one in a game and I’m sure if I had been, it would have helped reduce the impact. With the current level of preparation by our athletes, the speed and physicality of the game has inevitably increased, so anything to help safeguard the players is great to see.’
Join Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, Sally Hancock, Lidl and Niamh Briggs and be one of 100 voices gathered to map a future for Women’s sport in Ireland on November 30th.
