Refs and schools warned on GAA mouthguard rule

Referees have been warned to be extra vigilant about under-age players not wearing mouthguards after several colleges footballers were photographed playing without them in Munster and Leinster games this week.

From January 1, all underage players from minor level down including schools must wear the protection in football matches.

According to the rule, punishment for a player found not to be wearing one is a caution followed by an ordering off the field if he still does not wear one.