The most important piece of equipment for a football player is the helmet. Football helmets protect players from an assortment of head injuries, most notably concussions. A properly fitted helmet also helps a player's performance by boosting his confidence level, and guarantying good visibility and hearing. Finally, wearing helmets reduces the risk of coaches or football programs being held liable for sending young people on the field with improper equipment.
Step 1
Measure the player's head. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the head, about an inch above the eyebrows, to determine the head's circumference.
Step 2
Use the football helmet size chart (see Resources) and select the proper helmet based on your measurement.
Step 3
Wet the player's hair to simulate sweating. Then place the helmet on the player's head.
Step 4
Insert the air pump into the hole on the helmet and fill the helmet pads with air. Depending on the style of the helmet, the hole will either be on the top or the side of the helmet. Ask the player if the helmet is becoming too tight or if it is too loose. Stop pumping air based on the player's feedback.
Step 5
Check the height of the helmet. The front rim of the helmet should rest about an inch above the eyebrows.
Step 6
Fasten the chin strap so that the straps have equal tension on all sides.
Step 7
Grip the helmet on the sides and rotate it side to side then up and down. The skin of the forehead should move with the helmet.
Step 8
Leave the helmet on for a minute, then take it off and check the color of the forehead. There should be no whiteness on the forehead. If there is, then the helmet is too tight.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your hair at the same length throughout the season or the measurements for your helmet size will change.
- If your helmet is too tight, it can cause headaches and dizziness.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible tape measure
- Air pump
- Football helmet size chart
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