Football is a high impact sport played in constantly changing weather conditions. For maximum protection, football helmets should fit properly during hot summer practices and cool fall games.
While no football helmets can prevent concussions, they can protect the skull from fracture and concussive forces.
All football helmets must be certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). NOCSAE certification is indicated by a sticker located on the helmet. However, safety certification has little value when the helmet isn’t properly fit.
This video offers guidelines to properly fit your football helmet to decrease risk of head and neck injuries.
Reduce Injury Risk
Properly fit helmets are no guarantee for an injury free season. You can help reduce the risk of serious injury during practice and competition by:
- Following proper guidelines for helmet safety and fitting.
- Following the rules for safe play.
- Avoiding head-to-head contact and never using your head as the initial contact.
Changes in air temperature, altitude and humidity throughout the football season, can affect how well your helmet fits. Check your helmet for proper fit daily and as close to game time as possible.
Learn more about concussion
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This post provided by Sports Wrap, from Marshfield Clinic Sports Medicine.