Helmet technology has come a long way since football greats such as Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers tore up the football field. The importance of a good helmet starts in youth football and remains a hot topic in the NFL. Concern about head injuries in football is a constant. A football helmet, along with a proper facemask and skin strap are required equipment for tackle football leagues. There are different types of football helmets, and one way to ensure the safest play is to know the varying components and how to wear the helmet properly.
Size Matters
Football helmets come in youth and adult sizes. It is important that you wear the appropriate size to get the most benefit from your helmet. A youth helmet is designed to fit a smaller head. A less expensive but durable plastic material is used for a youth helmet shell whereas adult helmets are made with tougher plastic. Also, adult helmets cost more than youth helmets because manufacturers use a more resilient plastic to handle the stronger impact of a collision.
Padding Systems
Pads are lined at the front, back, top and sides of the helmet for optimal head protection. They come in a range of thicknesses from one-half inch to one inch. Traditional foam padding inside the helmet helps to cushion an impact; however it insulates the head and restricts airflow to allow for cooling.
Manufacturers now offer an air system with inflatable pads inside the helmet. Inflatable pads return to their original shape quicker than foam pads after a collision. Other benefits of a padded air system are the ability to better withstand repeated blows, to easily adjust to the shape of a player's head, providing a snug fit and comfort.
Air system padding is made of easy to clean material, which offers a healthier environment inside the helmet.
Facemasks and Chin Straps
A facemask and chin strap are considered parts of the helmet. Facemasks are designed differently depending on the player position. Some players find certain facemask designs obstruct their vision more than others, so preference can play a role in facemask choice.
A chin strap snaps to the helmet to keep the chin protector centered and the helmet snugly fit to your head. Chin straps come in varying sizes and colors. Helmets come with a chin strap, but a player may find more comfortable options that can be used as an alternative.
Helmet shields are available to protect the eyes and come in clear and tints, but are not considered mandatory equipment in most football leagues.
Guidelines and Warnings
Rules and guidelines to protect players from head injury and concussion are continually reviewed as are the manufacturing guidelines on helmets. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, a nonprofit, sports equipment oversight group, says, "All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer's or reconditioner's certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards. All such reconditioned helmets shall show recertification to indicate satisfaction with the NOCSAE test standard."
No Guarantees
Though the football helmets of today are safer than their predecessors, they do not guarantee the safety of the player. You can play smart and be smart about the use of safety equipment and the kind of helmet a player chooses to wear; however football is a contact sport where you can expect injury on any given day.
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