17/09/2026
Helmet Update for the 2027 Shinty Season
Hi All,
TLDR:
There is largely no immediate impact of this on players but last year the CA approved a rule change that comes into effect from 1st January 2027 (https://shinty.com/helmets-progress-highlight-of-2025-agm/). In essence, the CA rules now match the rules that ESA brought in on helmets slightly earlier. The key update is that from 1st Jan 2030, an approved faceguard will be mandatory too. Something to bear in mind with any new purchases.
From the start of the 2027 season:
An approved helmet will be mandatory for ALL players taking part in shinty, regardless of age or level.
Helmets must:
* Be certified to the required safety standards.
* Be fitted with a secure chin strap.
* Be free from sharp edges or projections.
* Be suitable for shinty and meet the Camanachd Association’s approved specifications.
Looking ahead:
From 1st January 2030, an approved faceguard will also become mandatory for all players.
While faceguards are not compulsory for all adult players until 2030, they continue to be mandatory for players under 25 and are strongly encouraged for everyone to help reduce the risk of facial injuries.
Helmet Waivers are required by the CA (and therefore ESA) for any non-compliant helmet and need to be completed on an annual basis. Please work with your team’s secretary if you are not using a compliant faceguard to make sure these are completed and sent in. We will be adding a process for this with next year’s registration.
If you’re planning to replace your helmet or buy new equipment before next season, we’d encourage you to purchase a helmet that is compatible with an approved faceguard to future-proof your kit.
If you have any questions about approved helmets or the new regulations, please speak to a member of the committee.
