Head on: inter-county stars braced for new helmet rule

SEVERAL leading intercounty hurlers are set to be affected by yesterday’s declaration by GAA chiefs that every player competing in next year’s All-Ireland SHC must wear a hurling helmet with a full face guard.

New regulations, which come into effect on January 1 require all players to wear helmets and face guards at all times for both training and matches. The move will see senior players follow the minor and U21 grades where the use of protective headwear has been compulsory in recent seasons.

Referees will be obliged to stop matches if a player appears on the field without the correct headgear and the player will only be allowed to continue in the match if he complies with the new rules.