VIENNA, VA - - Now that your new youth football league is up and running, it’s time to determine what kind of equipment your players will need.
The physical contact in football demands that each player wear a full complement of protective equipment. Most youth football leagues require equipment used during play to meet the standards of the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) and the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).
Additionally, it is recommended that no jewelry of any kind including, but not limited to, necklaces, ear rings and bracelets and watches, be worn during competition (including games, practices and scrimmages). Medical alert bracelets or necklaces, such as those denoting an allergy, are permitted but must be taped to the person and considered a danger during games or practice.
Moreover, no head coverings with any type of knots in them are permitted. It is highly recommended that a player be removed from the game for wearing illegal, altered or modified equipment and not allowed to return until the condition is corrected.
USA Football recommends not allowing youth players to wear face shields in practices or in games, unless the player receives a physician’s written request. If face shields are allowed to be worn, USA Football advises only clear shields that are of a “snap on nature” can be used.
To ensure safety, USA Football suggests that each league incorporate a policy regarding privately owned equipment.
All shoulder, hip, kidney, tailbone, thigh and knee pads should meet the standards of the NFHS and the NOCSAE and should not be altered by players or team staff in any way.
At a minimum, USA Football recommends the following equipment to be worn:
Helmet
The helmet is typically the most recognizable piece of all sport's equipment. It protects various parts of the head from collisions with other players and the ground. The chin strap will be standard equipment for all helmets.
There are different types of helmets, including their padding structure. One must follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure proper fitting. Additionally, an authorized NOCSAE inspection company must inspect all helmets, at least once every four (4) years. Only helmets with the NOSCAE Seal of Certification shall be worn. Click NOCSAE for more information.
Having a proper fitting helmet is essential for youth players; therefore, each youth league must take the proper steps to train equipment mangers and coaches how to fit a helmet properly. Click here for proper fitting instructions provided by Schutt Sports.
Furthermore, it is recommended that each league monitor and establish policies and guidelines regarding all helmet decals or team/sponsor names on helmets and the type of paint used by teams/individuals to paint their helmets.
USA Football recommends that all painting, decals, emblems, etc. be approved in writing by your youth football league.
Face Mask
The role of the face mask is to shield the face from contact and collisions. Most importantly, it protects the nose. There are many styles of the face mask, depending on position, which provide the player with several options.
Shoulder Pads
These pads tend to take the most abuse during the course of the game. Shoulder pads are extremely important because they cushion the impact a player makes with other players and the ground. Shoulder pads protect the shoulders, chest, and back.
Girdle and Hip Pads
These pads are probably the smallest pads required for competition. The hip and tailbone pad protect both respective areas. They are made of foam and are held in check by the girdle. Care must be taken to guard the exposed edge of the hip bone, the base of the spine and the kidney area. Pads must be either worn in girdle or attached to a belt or pants.
Thigh Guards/Pads
The thigh pads are the biggest leg pads and are worn underneath the pants. They protect the quadriceps muscles from collisions with other players and the ground.
There are many different sizes for players at different positions. Kickers and punters generally wear the smallest size pads because those positions receive the least amount of contact.
Knee Pads
Knee pads protect the knees, fit inside the lower part of the pants and are constructed of shock absorbing material.
Mouth Piece
The mouth piece is fitted and should be inserted into the mouth prior to any live play in practice and a game. The mouth piece does protect players’ teeth but even more importantly, it protects from concussions resulting from blows to the head. It can be either attached or unattached to the helmet.
It is recommended that a mouth piece is a “keeper strap” variety. This “keeper strap” enables the mouth piece to be safely secured to the face mask.
Pants
Pants may be of one-piece or “shell” construction. One piece pants feature removable (snap-out) hip and kidney pads; knit (cotton/nylon) material is suggested with tunnel belts loops or attached web belt.
“Shell” pants typically feature knee guard and waist-suspended thigh guard pockets.
Athletic Supporter
An athletic supporter, also called a jock strap, provides support and lift for sports or activities requiring a support. It is an elastic support with a pouch for supporting and protecting the male genitals. Supporters also have an optional soft cup.
Also See:
Parents can nominate youth football coaches at all levels online at ResponsibleSports.com through December 7. One coach from each state will receive $500 cash grant from Liberty Mutual. Winners will be announced in December.
To nominate a Responsible Coach click here.
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.