Football Helmet Safety

Prevention

No helmet can prevent concussions

According to Dr. Robert Cantu, Vice President of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) a certified helmet means that it met performance standards at the time of manufacture or reconditioning.  Helmets are designed to protect against skull fracture and most subdural hematomas, not concussions.  In fact, Dr. Cantu states in a recent CNN video, helmets would have to be held to a standard four times better than the current specifications to approach concussion prevention.

Dr. Stanley Herring, Co-Medical Director of the Seattle Sports Concussion Program and a team physician for the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners states, " Currently, there is not enough evidence to state that any helmet can protect against concussions.  Ironically, by making that claim, athletes think that a certain helmet makes them safer, and they end up taking more chances and increasing their risk of concussions."

Proper fit matters

A new or nearly-new helmet that fits properly and is well-maintained is very important in helping to reduce the severity of serious football-related head injuries. This helmet fitting video from USA Football is a good guide to the proper technique for fitting youth helmets.  Remember to follow your specific helmet manufacturer's instructions:

• check head size

• check fit of interior pads

• never wear a helmet too low or too tight

• pressure should be on the crown of the head not the brow

• fit chinstrap properly

• replace a cracked or otherwise compromised helmet immediately

Related articles:

Helmet Safety Unchanged as Injury Concerns Rise- NYT  Oct 2010

Anatomy of a Traditional Football Helmet-NYT  Oct 2010

Sports Medicine of Atlanta:  Proper fitting of Youth Football Helmets