Football practices are beginning all across the nation. Many of you smiled when reading the first sentence however in the excitement of the sport, it is necessary to keep safety a top priority. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, an estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports related traumatic brain injuries occur every year and sadly enough, 2% of the U.S. Population currently lives with disabilities resulting from a brain injury. (Source)
Knowing this is a very serious issue, the providers and staff at Kansas City Bone & Joint want to make sure you are not only wearing proper head protection but also wearing it correctly.
Tips for Fitting at Football Helmet
- Measure the head around the middle of the forehead
- Place the helmet on with thumbs over the bottom of the face pads. The face pads should first touch the temples when pulling the helmet over the head
- Make sure the helmet touches the middle of the forehead and does not sit too high or too low. When the helmet is on, it should fit snug and not move
- The chin strap should be secured and centered under the chin.
- Double check the athlete’s vision to make sure they can see straight forward as well as peripherally.
- Be sure to ask the player being fitted how the helmet feels. You want to make sure it feels tight and safe to them. If you are the one being fitted for the helmet, be sure to communicate with your coach, athletic trainer or equipment manager on how the helmet is fitting
For more information (and source) regarding helmet fitting, please refer to USA Football and Riddell Helmet Fitting Guide