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.