Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, for spectators and players alike. Children can start playing organized football during their elementary-school school years and continue on to the high school, collegiate and even professional levels. One thing that remains the same whether the game is being played by a child or a professional is the need for proper, safe football equipment.
Helmet
The football helmet is the most important piece of equipment a player has. The helmet provides protection against head and brain injury by supporting the head with an outer protective shell as well as pads inside the helmet to cushion impact. Your helmet should meet standards set by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, and should be the correct size to give you the fullest protection. A mouth guard and chin strap, for additional jaw and teeth protection, should come with the football helmet.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are the next essential piece of equipment for all football players. Shoulder pads are made up of a complex arrangement of different pieces of padding that protect the shoulders, chest and rib cage during impact. Shoulder pads should fit snugly on your body; use the attached securing buckles so the pads don't constantly shift during game play.
Other Padding
Other padding commonly seen on the football field includes pants padding, which is typically included with a pair of football pants; different pads protect the knees and thighs. Neck collars or rolls can provide extra support and protection to the neck, helping to decrease the chances of injury from whiplash during collisions.
Athletic Supporter
An athletic supporter accompanied by a protective cup is often necessary equipment to protect the male genitals from harm during both football practices and games, and "is not," as the Sports Unlimited website puts it, "a piece of equipment you should neglect." The supporter itself holds the genitals in place while the cup provides a hard protective shell to protect against direct impact.
Other Gear
There are many other pieces of miscellaneous gear you may use while playing football, depending on what age and type of football being played, as well as what conditions the game is being played in. For example, you'll almost certainly need cleated football shoes to help increase traction on the field. Football gloves are also common, worn particularly by running backs and wide receivers to help provide more grip when catching the ball.
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