American football is an extremely dangerous sport in which many players are hurt every year. A 2009 study by the University of North Carolina found that since 1931 there have been 1,016 deaths directly related to playing football. Football safety gear has evolved significantly over the years, from leather helmets in the early 1900's to the modern day hard plastic version. Various types of gear now protect players on the field from becoming seriously injured through high impact collisions. Knowing how to strap each piece of gear on is essential to your safety in practice or a game.
Step 1
Place any undergarments on. This may include socks, underwear, shirts, or special under-pad clothing. The case of the latter, these will help prevent your skin from becoming scratched or irritated by hard shoulder pads.
Step 2
Slide your hip and butt pads securely into your girdle. Put your girdle on, stand up straight and slide your athletic cup into the front of the girdle. Run in place to ensure the cup is properly positioned as comfortably as possible.
Step 3
Slide your thigh and knee pads securely into your football pants. Put the pants on over your girdle but leave the buttons/strings untied at your waist. Drop to both knees to ensure your knee pads are positioned correctly. Sit back down and put your football cleats on each foot. Double-tie the knot.
Step 4
Slide your jersey over your shoulder pads so the opening for your neck on each piece matches up perfectly. Hold the pads above your head and drop them down slowly over your upper body until your head comes out of the neck-hole of the jersey. Pull the jersey up to chest level and strap in your shoulder pads so they are tight and secure.
If you are a quarterback who wears ribcage protection, attach the apparatus at this time. Pull the jersey back down after everything is secure and tuck it into your pants. Slide your belt through the pant hoops and button the pants up completely.
Step 5
Grip the helmet with one hand on each side, next to the ear holes. While the chinstrap is un-done on one side, place your head at the opening of the helmet. Pull with each hand to widen the opening of the helmet and match your ears up with the ear holes. The helmet is completely on when you can feel it touching your head in every direction. Adjust the face mask so you have adequate line of sight and buckle the chinstrap in to secure the helmet.
Tips and Warnings
- Have a partner help you put on any large pieces of equipment and then check for any final adjustments.
- Always exercise caution when attempting or getting involved in a tackle. Pads are not guaranteed to prevent any injuries on the field.
Things You'll Need
- Helmet
- Shoulder pads
- Socks
- Cleats
- Pads
- Pants
- Girdle
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