Many equipment companies offer documentation and tracking programs. It is suggested that all leagues assign an equipment manager to work with equipment companies, while also maintaining an inventory tracking guide to insure proper purchasing and reconditioning of all equipment. Equipment reconditioning includes annual cleaning, sanitizing and inspection. Remember that inspection of helmets is very critical, as they have a limited life and need to be inspected by an authorized NOSCAE inspection company at least once every four (4) years. Developing a reconditioning program ensures safety, but also saves on the costs of replacements, as reconditioning cost about half of a new purchase. Remember to store equipment in a temperature controlled storage facility as severe cold is the biggest cause of failure of the plastic shells in helmets.
Purchasing the right amount of equipment is essential for startup leagues as overspending can set an organization back for years. To help you through this process it is important to know the sizes of equipment. Knowing the amount of each size of equipment to purchase can be projected based on early registration feedback. Research shows that leagues receive roughly 60 percent of their registration during the initial (early) registration period. As discussed in the registration guidelines, it is important to conduct registration three to four times. Based on these projections a league can order in bulk, saving the league money. Projections also show that late (final) registration accounts for approximately 10 percent of registrants. As mentioned in the registration guidelines, it is strongly encouraged that leagues write into policy guidelines for late arrivals (youth players who moved into the community are final signups).
- Use a reconditioning firm that has been approved by the equipment manufacture.
- When reconditioning make sure only replacement parts supplied or approved by the equipment manufacture are used.
- Adopt a regular equipment reconditioning program.
- Follow helmet manufacturers’ guidelines for reconditioning. It is wise to recondition any helmet at least every two years. Helmets subject to substantial contact should be reconditioned after one season.
- Recommendations from the reconditioner regarding equipment repair should be strictly followed.
- Rejected or retired helmets should be destroyed or made unusable.
- Use reconditioning as a key component to your equipment maintenance and risk management programs.
- Use a regular equipment reconditioning program to keep your equipment in proper condition and to help you control equipment costs.
Also See:
More articles about how you can improve your league can be found in theUSA Football League Operating Guide.Learnabout equipment purchasing, general management, and book keeping from articles written specifically for youth football administrators.