Can someone explain to me why officials have stopped enforcing players to wear their mouthpiece.  Each week I see players with them dangling off their facemask.  Am I out of touch?  Did the rules change?
 

2 minutes ago, RetiredFan said:

Can someone explain to me why officials have stopped enforcing players to wear their mouthpiece.  Each week I see players with them dangling off their facemask.  Am I out of touch?  Did the rules change?
 

Fascinating.......I thought this was strictly enforced.  Not good that this is happening.

I just assumed the enforcement had changed.  I see them dangling down all of the time in plain view and don't remember seeing it called or seeing a player told to put it in or whatever.  

It's not a point of emphasis as it has been in the past, but I can assure you, officials are regularly trying to check.

Why would you not where a mouthpiece aside from the occasional adrenalin filled forgetting to because of the direction of the game.  Intentionally not wearing a mouth guard is insane!

I think refs sending people out for mouthpieces and knee pads are outdated. Half the mouthpieces are just chewed on and aren’t doing any kind of protection. The knee pads kids wear nowadays look like the tops of dip cans. They’re not doing anything. 

7 minutes ago, DearToday said:

I think refs sending people out for mouthpieces and knee pads are outdated. Half the mouthpieces are just chewed on and aren’t doing any kind of protection. The knee pads kids wear nowadays look like the tops of dip cans. They’re not doing anything. 

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found the prevalence of dental trauma among mouthguard users to be 7.5% to 7.75% compared to 48.31% to 59.98% among non-users, and that mouthguard users were between 82% and 93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries.

The American Dental Association research would support their use, but that would include the caveat that they be worn appropriately. 

The dangling mouthpiece attached to the helmet in many cases is a “backup”. It’s not that officials aren’t checking and making sure the players are properly equipped. 

Saw a player be made to come out for a play to get a mouth guard at the game I was at this past week. 

Saw a holder put his mouthpiece in his facemask for a PAT, refs made him come out for a play. Little too much in my opinion lol.

 I may just be old, but I cannot stand the " baby pacifier " mouthpieces.  I get other fun ones, but the golden or other pacifiers look absolutely ridiculous to me! 

 

8 minutes ago, RedHawk said:

 I may just be old, but I cannot stand the " baby pacifier " mouthpieces.  I get other fun ones, but the golden or other pacifiers look absolutely ridiculous to me! 

 

You're not the only one.  I will not buy my boys one of these.

22 hours ago, RetiredFan said:

Can someone explain to me why officials have stopped enforcing players to wear their mouthpiece.  Each week I see players with them dangling off their facemask.  Am I out of touch?  Did the rules change?
 

I promise I’m being serious and not pulling your leg—but this is the new swag these days.

It is not unusual to see a player with a legitimate mouth guard in, and one dangling from their helmet/wedged in it somewhere. 

If I understand the Rule correctly - HC's are required to certify to the Officials prior to the Game - that ALL of their players are legally and properly equipped.

I would assert the Coaching Staff bears responsibility.

15 hours ago, JIM SEYMOUR # 85 said:

If I understand the Rule correctly - HC's are required to certify to the Officials prior to the Game - that ALL of their players are legally and properly equipped.

I would assert the Coaching Staff bears responsibility.

We had the discussion about responsibility last week after 3 Dixie players had to leave the game due to lack of pads.  IMO, these kids are old enough to bear the responsibility of being properly equipped as they know what is required.  The coaches shouldn't have to go up and down the sideline checking pads and mouthpieces like they do in peewee football.