'Counterfeit hurling and camogie helmets are dangerous', warn CCPC and GAA

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are urging hurling and camogie players to cease use of all 'Gola' branded helmets immediately.

The CCPC and GAA have said that the company Gola does not make helmets and does not licence the Gola brand to any other company to make helmets, however counterfeit ‘Gola’ branding has been added to batches of substandard, retro-styled helmets which do not meet safety requirements.

According to the CCPC, they place style over safety and product safety inspections found the poor quality helmets to have protruding screws and sharp edges, increasing risk of serious injury to face, head and eyes.

The CCPC said: "These helmets which are often sold via online marketplaces and social media do not meet basic PPE standards and will not protect the wearer from injury."

CCPC Member Patrick Kenny warned sportspeople: “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.”

Hurling and camogie helmets must have a CE mark to show that the helmet meets the required health and safety standards. As the ‘Gola’ brand added to these helmets is counterfeit, it is highly likely that any CE mark on the helmets is also counterfeit.

The helmets bearing the counterfeit ‘Gola’ brand are also manufactured without faceguards. In order to meet health and safety standards, faceguards must be added at the point of manufacture and not afterwards.

The CCPC is advising consumers to buy their helmet from a reputable retailer, not an unreliable online sources, and to make sure they ask four safety questions first. The first question is is the helmet fully assembled? A safe helmet should have a faceguard attached at the point of manufacture. You should not need to attach a faceguard. Secondly, are there any obvious dangers? Watch out for sharp edges, sharp points, rough surfaces, or protruding screws. Do not wear the helmet if you find any of these dangers. The third question should be is there a CE mark on the helmet? If there is no CE mark, don't buy it. Lastly, are the labels and instructions clear and comprehensive? All hurling and camogie helmets should be accompanied by instructions and information in a language which can be easily understood by users.

After purchasing your helmet, the CCPC also warn consumers not to modify their helmet in any way.

You can download the consumer guidance on helmet safety for full details of the safety risks of wearing a faulty helmet, as well as information on what to do next if you suspect you have purchased an unsafe helmet. Further information and guidance can be found here at https://learning.gaa.ie/mouthguardshurlinghelmets

If you have safety concerns about a helmet you’ve already purchased, stop using the product immediately and contact the CCPC consumer helpline on 01 402 5555 or ask@ccpc.ie