No matter what sport you're playing, if there's high impact involved you're guaranteed to need a helmet. While specific sizing criteria for various sports requiring a helmet may vary, helmet sizing for all sports begins by measuring the player's head circumference with a flexible measuring tape. Next is a try-on and adjustment session. Helmet shapes vary between manufacturers, just as head shape varies between players, so even if you have a helmet of the right circumference you may still need to try on several models before you find one that really fits the shape of your head.
Step 1
Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your forehead, 1 inch above your eyebrows, parallel to the floor.
Step 2
Read the measurement on the tape in the mirror or have a friend read the measurement off for you.
Step 3
Consult a sizing chart for the type of helmet you're looking for (see Resources). While most helmet sizes are relatively standard, exact sizing may vary between helmet manufacturers, so always consult the chart specific to your helmet manufacturer if possible.
Step 4
Try the helmet on. While specific sizing requirements may vary from sport to sport, some concepts are universal: The helmet should be snug but not so tight it pinches or squeezes the head, it should cover both the forehead to within about 1 inch of the eyebrows and the back of your head, and it should not rock noticeably from side to side or front to back when pushed or when you vigorously move your head.
Step 5
Fasten the chin or jaw strap on the helmet (if present--batting helmets, for example, usually don't have chin straps). Adjust the chin strap so that it's comfortable and snug; an uncomfortable chin strap is the surest way to make sure a helmet will not be worn. For football helmets, you should also make sure that the jaw pads fit flush with your jaw.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible measuring tape
- Mirror
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