WARNINGS have been issued against buying or continuing to use counterfeit projective sports helmets, which the GAA claims do not meet standards and are unsafe.
The warning stated that “fake branded helmets place style over safety”, creating “risk of serious injury to face, head, and eyes”.
Product safety inspections have found poor quality helmets with protruding screws and sharp edges. Often sold via online marketplaces and social media, the helmets do not meet basic PPE standards and will not protect the wearer from injury, the warning says.
The warning said that the counterfeit helmets masquerade under the Gola brand.
“The company Gola does not make helmets and does not licence the Gola brand to any other company to make helmets,” a statement from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said.
“However, counterfeit Gola branding has been added to batches of substandard, retro-styled helmets, which do not meet safety requirements.”
CCPC representative Patrick Kenny warned consumers: “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, added: “Purchasing and using a compliant helmet system (helmet complete with faceguard added at the point of manufacture) 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.”
“In particular, we are concerned about juvenile players using these helmets and encourage parents and players to only buy helmets from reputable sources.”
