Robbo senior

I'm inclined to agree. It's a matter of application and perseverance. Professionally fitted mouthguards are tight enough to resist dislodgement during trauma. Taking them out while kicking for goal is a good way to lose them, and is a poor example for kids.

There is strong evidence to show that not only do they prevent dental injuries, but also reduce the incidence of jaw fractures and concussion. They can be made small enough to be quite unobtrusive and snug fitting. I'm not sure to what extent the club recommends that players wear them, but many schools will not allow kids to play football or hockey without them. I'm assuming the club covers players for the costs associated with injuries, either directly or via insurance. It would be in everyone's best interests to enforce a mouth guard policy, and as an incentive have the players responsible for the costs of dental injuries if they choose not to.

The photos suggest he fractured his teeth rather than knocked them out, hence the quick repair job. The message that teeth can often be re-implanted has certainly got out there, sometimes resulting in confusing and pointless searches like yesterday. He is not out of the woods yet either, so the best approach is to prevent these things from happening in the first place. The club needs to actively encourage all players to wear mouthguards whenever contact is likely.

Good organisations treat their employees with respect. My experience is that this is repaid many times over in the fullness of time. The MFC is doing the right thing here. Some of the reactions displayed on DL border on the Neanderthal in terms of the management of what is clearly a disappointing situation for everyone. But the long term interests of the club are best served by getting Mitch healthy again, and creating a supportive environment for all the other players.