The helmets do not meet safety requirements.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued an urgent warning to hurling and camogie players to cease the use of all Gola branded helmets immediately.
The warning states that the counterfeit helmets “do not meet basic PPE standards and will not protect the wearer from injury.”
Gola do not make GAA helmets or license their name to any other company who make the equipment, adding that counterfeit Gola branding has been added to batches of substandard, retro-styled helmets which do not meet safety requirements.
Do you have a ‘Gola’-branded #GAA helmet? You should stop using it immediately.
❌ Gola do not make GAA helmets but counterfeit ‘Gola’ branding has been added to retro-styled helmets.
⚠️ They’re not safe to use and will not protect you from injury.
? https://t.co/bkFr9XkbVe pic.twitter.com/fgCQCj7tUc
— CCPC (@CCPCIreland) December 18, 2023
Urgent warning issued over counterfeit ‘retro’ GAA helmets
In a statement, CCPC Member Patrick Kenny said: “Do not purchase one of these helmets for yourself or anyone else this Christmas.
“Our product safety officers are working to remove these dangerous helmets from the Irish market. If you currently use one of these helmets, stop using it and buy a standard, CE-marked helmet from a reputable retailer instead.”
Chairperson of the Gaelic Games Helmet Work Group, Jim Bolger, said,
“Purchasing and using a compliant helmet system (helmet complete with faceguard added at the point of manufacture, thus making it an item of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE) which meets the NSAI standard, IS:355, is of the utmost importance in terms of ensuring player safety and welfare in hurling and camogie at all levels.
“It is worth noting that if a helmet system is purchased when incomplete (i.e., without a compatible faceguard) it cannot be considered an item of PPE.
“In particular, we are concerned about juvenile players using these helmets and encourage parents and players to only buy helmets from reputable sources.”
The CCPC also issued advice for customers buying helmets, stating that they should be bought from a reputable retailer, while also making sure the equipment is fully assembled without any obvious dangers, have a CE mark and that the instructions for use are clear.
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