Mouthguard Policy
The Altona Junior Football Club have implemented a Mouthguard Policy for all players. All players must wear a mouthguard when participating in physical training drills, and also MUST be worn on game day.
AJFC understand that in certain genuine medical circumstances a player may not be able to wear a mouthguard. An application for Exemption to play football without a mouthguard must be completed. For further details on this policy, and Exemption please refer to below Mouthguard Policy, and Application for Mouthguard Exemption Form.
Introduction & Rationale
Every year thousands of people are treated for dental injuries that could have been avoided by wearing a protective, custom-fitted mouthguard. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard helps to absorb and spread the impact of a blow to the face, which may otherwise result in an injury to the mouth or jaw.
Dental injuries can result in time off school or work to recover, can be painful and disfiguring, may involve lengthy and complex dental treatment. The cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards
Custom fitted mouthguards are superior to over the counter mouthguards and are made from a dental impression and a plaster model of the teeth. They provide the best protection fit and comfort for all levels of sport.
Over-the-counter (boil and bite) mouthguards
Altona Junior Football Club Rights & Responsibilities
The Altona Junior Football Club will continue to provide the opportunity for all members’ to access a custom mouth guard fitting prior to the season commencing, via a reputable dental specialist of current committees choice. It is not compulsory for members to utilise this option. The Altona Junior Football Club cannot guarantee that any injury as a result of not wearing a mouthguard will be covered by our insurance, and therefore will not be responsible for any harm, damage, medical costs or loss of income associated with any injury while not wearing a mouth guard.
The Mouthguard Policy
Considering the safety and protection benefits presented by mouthguards, the committee have voted unanimously to instigate a mouthguard policy with immediate effect.
- Mouthguards are mandatory and are required to be worn by all players during contact training and at games.
- The club will operate a strict ‘No Mouthguard, No Play’ policy without exception.
- Coaches and Managers will encourage all players to comply and will remove known non-complying players from training or game environments until such time as they comply.
The club’s priority is to deliver the highest standards of safety on and off the field at all times. This policy is implemented as part of this objective.
By registering your child with the Club you agree to abide by this policy.
Exceptions
AJFC understands that in certain genuine medical circumstances a player may not be able to wear a mouthguard. An Application for Exemption to play football without a mouthguard must be completed, and this will be supported by a current doctor certificate for that relevant season with clear reasoning and or explanation as to the inability to observe this Mouthguard Policy. Committee will review application and determine outcome. Committee decision is final.
Policy Commencement & Review Date
Commenced in November 2016. Review November 2023.
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- 0431 527 362
- PO Box 1099 Altona Meadows, 3028
- JK Grant Reserve Sugargum Drive, Altona