The Hockey Equipment Certification Council says, "More than half of football and hockey players report suffering concussions each season!" Helmets can help to protect your child from concussions, eye injuries, dental fractures and facial lacerations. Selecting the appropriate helmet will decrease the risk for injuries.
Certifications
HECC, a non-profit organization created at the request of USA Hockey, independently certifies amateur hockey equipment, primarily head protection. USA Hockey and the National Federation of State High School Associations require that players, including goal tenders, wear HECC approved helmets and facemasks. The NCAA requires goal tenders wear an HECC certified helmet and facemask and other players wear a helmet with an HECC certified facemask. These helmets have undergone a series of rigorous performance tests. Stickers appear on approved helmets. There have been problems in the past with some manufacturers applying these stickers to non-approved helmets. To be certain you are getting an approved helmet, you can check the list on the HECC website. In Canada, the helmet should have the Canadian Standards Association sticker.
Helmet
Fit is critical for the helmet. Have your child try on the helmet. It should fit snugly without any pressure points. Make sure that when your son vigorously shakes his head that the helmet doesn't move. The helmet needs to stay in place during practice or a game even when he encounters a hit or falls. The helmet should have a four buckle, padded chinstrap that fits snugly to protect the chin.
Facemask
According to a study by United States Hockey, there is a 4.7 times greater risk of eye injury with no facemask as compared to a partial facemask. There were no eye injuries in this study with a full shield facemask. USA Hockey requires full face masks for junior hockey players up to age 18. After age 18, a partial mask may be worn with a signed waiver. Often, the facemask is combined with the helmet. However, your child may need a different size facemask from the helmet, so you can purchase the two separately.
Expiration
Both HECC- and CSA-approved helmets have stickers with expiration dates on them. The exception is goaltender's helmets, which as of 2011 did not have expiration dates. Helmets last approximately five years. If you are close to the expiration date, consider purchasing a new helmet soon. You should also check your child's helmet at the beginning of the season, midway through the season and anytime your child complains about it. If there are any cracks on the outside shell, the padding is not intact or you have any questions about the integrity of the helmet, replace it.
References
- CSA Group: Safety Tips Hockey Helmets
- The Hockey Equipment Certification Council
- CBC Our Game: A healthy helmet is a happy helmet
- Youth Hockey Review: Fitting Helmets Properly To Minimize The Risk Of Concussion In Young Hockey Players
- HECC: Concussion: A Coaches' Guide for Sideline Evaluation
- HECC: Frequently Asked Questions
Member Comments