Back-to-school means back to the football field for many young athletes, and safety begins with a helmet that fits properly. Follow these guidelines for a fit that’s effective, no matter what position your child plays:
- Before fitting, note the shape of the player’s head – round, square, oblong or narrow. Each shape requires different considerations.
- Keep hair length consistent throughout the season. Dampen the hair before trying on the helmet to simulate practice and game conditions.
- Measure the circumference of the player’s head to determine the proper helmet size. The measurement should be taken 1 inch above the eyebrows.
- Ask the athlete if the helmet is snug. The helmet should be snug rather than too loose or too tight.
- Make sure that the athlete’s ears are centered with the helmet’s ear openings.
- Verify that the eyebrows are 1 to 1.5 inches below the helmet’s edge.
- Try rotating the helmet side to side. There should be some forehead skin and hair movement, but the helmet should not slip.
- Confirm that the jaw pads follow the contour of the cheek. Thicker jaw pads may result in a better fit. Tighten the chinstrap and check the face mask. It should be 2 to 2.5 finger widths from the tip of the nose.
- Check the player’s vision while wearing the helmet. The athlete should be able to track 180 degrees peripherally and 75 degrees up and down.
- Both the athlete and parents should read the warning label on the back of the helmet to ensure they understand the possibility of an injury if the helmet is used improperly. All parties should sign a form acknowledging that they have read the label, and the signed copy should be kept on file.
WEB EXTRA! Virtual Rehab – Parents may discourage their children from playing video games, but a new rehabilitation program at Cleveland Clinic is proving that the virtual world can actually benefit their health. View the video below.
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/1/2007...#13673
