FROM January 1, 2010 senior players will follow the regulations already in place at the minor and under 21 grades of hurling.

In introducing and streamlining these regulations the GAA continues its commitment to ensuring player welfare on the field of play with the specific intention of reducing injuries.

The injuries which the compulsory wearing of helmets will prevent and reduce in numbers are specifically those related to the head, face, eye and dental regions.

The compulsory wearing of helmets with full faceguards, both in training and matches, will significantly reduce the occurrence of these injuries. Hurlers of all ages, including those at nursery clubs when holding a hurley in their hand must wear a helmet and faceguard at all times.

The helmets and faceguards worn by the player should comply with the specific standard required by the GAA which is in compliance with the ISS 355 standard and test.

GAA President Christy Cooney endorsed the rule change.

He said: “The introduction of this rule at senior level is a natural progression following as it does the rule change at minor and U21 level in recent seasons.