The equipment that the school provides should be safe, properly fitted, in good repair and inspected on a regular basis.  All equipment inspections, repairs, and reconditioning should be documented.  Equipment that is in ill repair should be discarded and/or secured out of harms way. The MIAA requires football equipment to be reconditioned at maximum every two (2) years.

FOOTBALL GUIDELINES

2. NOCSAE standards state that all helmets must be reconditioned every two years by a factory authorized re conditioner.  This also        validates the equipment’s warranty.

3.  Helmets can only be painted by the manufacturer or authorized reconditioner.

4.  Use appropriate air inflator needles and bulb pumps to inflate helmet bladders.  Using a ling air pump needle will puncture the helmet’s liner. (Needles and bulb pumps can be obtained from the equipment manufacturer.)

5.  Warning labels must be visible on the back of helmets.  If the warning label is no longer on a helmet or if it is not easily read, contact the manufacturer for new labels.  Warning labels must be visible!

6.  Face masks can not have metal showing through the protective coating.

7.  According to Riddell, 10-year-old helmets manufactured by Riddell must be replaced.

8.  Student-athletes 15-years or older must wear a varsity style helmet, not a youth or junior style helmet.

9.  The helmet shell and all interior parts can be rinsed in warm water to remove normal grime. If the helmet needs further cleaning, a mild detergent can be used. Do not use solvents or strong cleaning agents. If you have any questions about proper cleaning protocol, call the helmet manufacturer or authorized reconditioner.

10.  Shoulder pads can not have cracks in the shells and the padding can not be broken down or hard.

11.  Inspect all buckles, snaps, laces, and straps to be sure none are broken and are functionally sound.

FOOTBALL SUPPLIERS & RECONDITIONERS

ADDITIONAL LINKS

METHODS OF FITTING FOOTBALL HELMETS