Why Do Football Helmets Fall Off?

May 26, 2011 | By Steve Silverman

A football helmet is perhaps the most important piece of protective equipment worn by football players. The helmet protects the head and skull from hard hits and the resulting damage. However, football helmets are controversial because they can cause damage when players use them to make a tackle or a block. It is almost impossible to avoid some helmet-to-helmet contact, and the impact of the blow can jar a helmet loose.

Unbuckled Chin Strap

Players are supposed to buckle their chin straps prior to every play. In youth football, officials are supposed to check each player prior to every play to make sure the chin strap is securely attached. However, at higher levels of football, players sometimes leave their chin strap unbuckled, and a hard helmet-to-helmet collision or a shoulder-to-helmet hit can jar the helmet loose.

Grabbing the Facemask

Players are not allowed to grab an opponent's facemask. When it happens, it warrants a penalty because players can suffer neck injuries as a result of a violent twisting of the mask. This happens every game, and it can be intentional or accidental. When a facemask is grabbed and jerked, the chin strap can easily become unbuckled and the helmet removed.

Loose Helmets

The helmet should always fit a player snugly so it can remain in place and provide the player with the protection he needs. However, a snug helmet can be quite uncomfortable, and some players will opt for a bigger one. In the case of a player who wears a bigger helmet, it can come loose quite easily and end up flying off with just a bit of contact --- especially if the chin strap is not snapped closed.

Altercations

There are occasional fights and altercations at the professional and college level that occur when players are unable to control their emotions during a rough and physical game. Players often grab their opponent's facemask and attempt to rip it off their opponent's head so they can deliver a punch. This maneuver can be quite painful and cause damage as the helmet gets violently torn off a player's head.