For 99.9% of all the hockey matches you play, you'll waqlk off the pitch with no injuries (perhaps a graze or two but no worse) and will have enjoyed playing as safe fun sport. Hockey however, can be dangerous and we recommend that you protect yourself as best you can and we suggest the following as a minimum for all ages and outfield positions:
* Shin pads
* Left hand glove
* Mouth Guard

For defenders involved in penalty corners, we recommend the following additional protection:
* Face mask (the club will provide a pair of face masks for each team but you're welcome to purchase and use your own)
* Right hand glove
* Box/Cup

All of the above are available from your local hockey shop and online but when it comes to mouth guards, we suggest you get one that's properly fitted and dentist supplied.

Mouth guards can buffer damage to the teeth, braces or other fixed appliances from blows and physical contact. Mouth guards can also act as a barrier between teeth/braces and the cheeks, between the lips and tongue, thereby limiting the risk of soft tissue damage.

The ideal mouth guard also:

* Allows speaking and does not limit breathing.
* Stays firmly in place during action.
* Provides a high degree of comfort and fit.
* Is durable and easy to clean.
* Is resilient, tear-resistant, odorless and tasteless.

Wearing a mouth guard is an important precaution for athletes of all ages and abilities, helping to protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. Mouth guards also safeguard against serious injuries such as jaw fracture, cerebral hemorrhage, concussion and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw jams into the upper jaw. By keeping soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, mouth guards help prevent cutting and bruising of the lips, tongue and cheeks, especially for athletes who wear orthodontic appliances.

There's loads more information about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard here: http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/mouth-guards/ and we really recommend you do so.

When it comes to mouth guards, something is better than nothing but we recommend you get a proper dentist fit unit rather than one that you buy from a sports shop and mould it by putting it in hot water.

We have received an offer from a dentist within the club for him to come down to either a training night or the clubhouse on a saturday and take moulds etc. from those of you who would like a decent gum shield. He will also be getting them for us for a reduced rate but we need to know numbers in order to decide when the best time to do this will be.

Please send an email to comms@suttoncoldfieldhc.co.uk if you're interested in a reduced price (tbc) mouth guard.