Monday, July 25, 2011

Football Safety: How to fit a football helmet

 

Football is a serious game of skill, intensity, reading your opponent, and of shear brute force.  All of the proceeding should be taken very seriously.  The physical force of the game could literally mean the difference between life or death.  Personal protection gear should be given the utmost attention and taken to the highest degree of seriousness because your child's very life depends on it.  This two part series will dive into football personal protection gear and the important roll they play in the game.

The key to optimal helmet safety is proper fit.  Premier helmets such as the Xenith X1, Schutt Ion 4D, Schutt DNA Recruit, and the All Star Catalyst offer inflatable air pads that conform to the players head for optimal protection and comfort.  Air pads offer superior performance against constant collisions versus traditional foam padding.   However, traditional foam pad football helmets have evolved greatly to provide optimal head protection and are the most likely issued helmet in recreational football.  Elite dual density foam helmets such as the Adams Y4, Schutt Recruit, and the Schutt Air Standard will provide your player critical head protection.

The key to safety equipment performing optimally is the proper fit.  The following are the essentials to properly fitting a football helmet.
 
 
  1. First, you must take your player to try on the helmet.  Improper helmet size can lead to injury. The helmet should fit snug to the players head and move with the player.  The helmet should not be loose, wobble, or slide up on the head.  This would indicate improper fit.
  2. Chin straps should be in the center of the players chin and the strap needs to be adjusted to fit snug to the player.
  3. Face mask should be properly installed and not obscure the players vision in any way.  Have the player put the helmet on and move around to ensure that he can see in all directions.
  4. The players eyebrows should not be more than 1 inch below the edge of the front of the helmet. 
  5. The players ear openings and the helmets side holes should be centered.
  6. The helmet must properly protect the base of the players skull with out interfering with the back of the neck.
  7. Jaw pads need to follow the players cheeks.
The bottom line is that your players safety should be your top priority.  Prevention is the key to long term brain and physical safety.  The key to purchasing a football helmet is to get the helmet on the player and move around as if on the football field.  The helmet is the most important piece of equipment in this sport and the proper helmet is crucial to preventing potential life threatening or permanent injury. 
  
Almega Sports takes player protection up a notch and provides you everything you need to get your football player ready for the season.  We specialize in all the major brands such as Schutt, McDavid, Adams, Rawlings, All Star and more at prices that will keep you on the field. 

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Rising from the Ashes: Lynn Haven FL 8U All Stars

This is a story of how one team was nearly reduced to rubble but came back from the ashes with fire and determination learning life lessons that cannot be taught but must be experienced.

Original story is by Chris Hudson in a letter to the Lynn Haven, FL. City Manager. 
Modified by Marie Walker.


The Defeat:  One year ago we took a group of 7 year-old boys to the Dizzy Dean State tournament in Baker, Florida.  We got our eyes beat out.  When we left the tournament a group of parents got together and decided to see if our boys wanted to be State champions.  When we talked to our team and parents we received a resounding "Yes!" to that question. 

The Goal:  It was then decided that the goal for our team was to go to the 2011 Dizzy Dean World Series. With that goal in mind, the team was informed of the responsibilities that each individual player would be held accountable for.  We practiced twice a week FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR!  Each boy was to take batting practice and fielding practice AT HOME EVERYDAY!  Those commitments were undertaken by our boys and parents with great enthusiasm.

The Drive:  We then decided that we would start attending tournaments with the goal of playing teams that were better than us.  We played in many tournaments all over the tri-state areas.  We saw teams that were worse than us, and we saw teams that were better than us.  Something strange happened in the meantime.  Our boys started becoming one cohesive unit.  Not only did these boys spend time together on the field, they began forming unbreakable bonds with one another.  They learned that their actions had not only ramifications for themselves, but also for their teammates.  They learned that when they depended upon one another, that they were stronger.  They learned that when one failed, another could be counted on to pick up the slack.  In short, our boys learned how to set goals, work hard, rely on one another, and SUCCEED!

The Victory:  During our time at the Dizzy Dean State Tournament, our team finished with a record of 5 wins and only one loss.  We outscored our competition by a score of 79-35!  This is the first time in Lynn Haven history that an 8u team has ever won the Dizzy Dean State Championship.  As a team these boys have won 5 tournament championships and been runners-up on three different occasions.  These boys have met and exceeded their goals.

The Life Lessons:  I feel fortunate that I have been a part of this incredible experience.  I have witnessed 12 little boys do something that is truly wonderful.  I have seen the blood, sweat AND tears that these little men have shed for one another.  I have been there for their victories and their defeats.  I have held their hands and hugged them through their failures.  For that, I can never repay them.  They have taught me more than I will ever teach them.  I will always remember the summer of 2011.  I will always remember how 12 little boys went from embarrassing defeat, to becoming State Champions.  What they have taught me is priceless.  They will forever be etched in my heart because of what they have done.  I ask that you recognize them NOT for what they have accomplished.  I ask that you recognize them because they are the men I pray I could someday become.

This is an incredible story of parents and players, working together, embracing defeat for what it is...a stepping stone to the next chapter in life.  Together they became stronger, formed bonds, and defeated their giants.  Together they became CHAMPIONS.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

BBCOR 2012: Approved Bat List


BBCOR is all the talk on the baseball fields.  What is it?  Who does it apply to?  When will the rules take effect?  What bats will be allowed in 2012?  Almega Sports has you covered with the answers to your BBCOR questions.

BBCOR, simply explained, is the measurement of the trampoline or flexibility effect of a bat. This is in sharp contrast to the BESR method which measured the balls exit speed after a bat hits the ball.  The NFHS has ruled that the BBCOR standard actually includes the BESR standard. So why the change?  According to the NFHS the new standard was established as follows:  "The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities." See the full press release from the NFHS.

BBCOR standards apply to middle school, high school, and college players.  In some instances, some associations senior league players may be required to comply with the BBCOR standard.  The new rules for BBCOR will apply in January 2012 for NFHS play and all bats will be required to have the BBCOR stamp.  The rules already apply to NCAA (college) player as of January 2011.  The NFHS states:  The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.”



So now you know what BBCOR is and when it takes effect.  Next up, you will need to know the bat that are going to be approved for 2012?  We have complied a list of the new 2012 premium BBCOR stamped bats.

2012 BBCOR Bat List

As always, Almega Sports has you covered with everything you need for your 2012 BBCOR baseball season!