Updated Mouth-Guard Policy - Canterbury Basketball Canterbury Basketball

We are altering our official mouthguard policy for 2018 – details here

The CBA staff has extensively discussed the current mouth-guard policy, and has an adjusted policy for the 2018 season. Notes regarding this change are below

The previous CBA “compulsory for all” policy has approximately 90% compliance rate for our U20 grades and below, but only 10% compliance for grades above this age threshold.
BBNZ mandates that mouth-guard are only compulsory up to under 19.
BBNZ has no timeline for competitions involving older players.
Previous CBA Policy based on the understanding that (a) across the board implementation was imminent, and (b) the introduction of new Health and Safety Regulations in 2015.
BBNZ policy based on ACC contract for injury reduction, not Health and safety.

In assessing the risk, the CBA has determined that;

The risk of a tooth injury for an adult player is low, compared to other injuries.
The likely harm is loss of teeth/dental work.
All adult players are aware of the risk
All players are aware that mouth-guards are readily available and suitable for minimising the risk
Cost of a mouth-guard is low

The main points in the new policy:

The CBA adopts the BBNZ Policy of making mouth-guards compulsory for grades U20 and below.
For adult grades, the CBA strongly recommends that mouth-guards should be worn.
Mouth-guards will be available for purchase at venues we (the CBA) utilise regularly for competitions.

The full 2018 policy can be seen here: CBA mouth-guard policy 2018

Team/Club mouth-guards can be ordered by using our order form