BACKGROUND: Head and facial injury is a major cause of morbidity associated with the game of hurling. Yet, little is known about either players' experience of these injuries and their prevention with safety devices. AIMS: To survey the attitude of some of the country's senior intercounty players towards the use of protective head and facial devices and their experience of injuries relating to the head and face. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study. Player attitude to the use of protective devices will be reported here. RESULTS: Forty-five players completed the survey. Thirty-two (71%) players currently wear helmets with 28 (87.5%) of these also wearing faceguards. Twenty-four (75%) players have been injured despite wearing a helmet and/or faceguard. Thirteen (40.6%) players expressed frustration with helmet performance. CONCLUSIONS: Injury is an unavoidable feature of hurling. To this end perhaps more should be done to involve players in overall apparatus design and safety.
BACKGROUND: Head and facial injury is a major cause of morbidity associated with the game of hurling. Yet, little is known about either players' experience of these injuries and their prevention with safety devices. AIMS: To survey the attitude of some of the country's senior intercounty players towards the use of protective head and facial devices and their experience of injuries relating to the head and face. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study. Player attitude to the use of protective devices will be reported here. RESULTS: Forty-five players completed the survey. Thirty-two (71%) players currently wear helmets with 28 (87.5%) of these also wearing faceguards. Twenty-four (75%) players have been injured despite wearing a helmet and/or faceguard. Thirteen (40.6%) players expressed frustration with helmet performance. CONCLUSIONS: Injury is an unavoidable feature of hurling. To this end perhaps more should be done to involve players in overall apparatus design and safety.