Protective Equipment in Sports Safety

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of deflection in protective equipment?

To increase the impact force on the athlete

To alter the original path of impact force (correct)

To absorb all impact forces directly

To redistribute the force of impact from multiple directions

Which of the following is NOT a competency related to protective equipment?

Implementing a basic risk management strategy

Identifying materials used in protective equipment

Recognizing appropriate protective equipment for sports

Choosing apparel based on fashion criteria (correct)

What is a critical factor to consider when selecting protective equipment for contact sports?

Compliance with safety standards such as CSA (correct)

Weight of the equipment without regard for safety

The player's personal preference alone

Completion of a fashion contract

What should an athletic therapist prioritize when performing repairs on protective equipment?

Legal duty to maintain safety standards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles is essential for designing effective protective equipment?

Precision in fitting and modification to user needs Signup and view all the answers

What should an inventory and repair checklist for protective equipment include?

Specific check points for material condition and function Signup and view all the answers

In footwear design, what biomechanical risk factor should be addressed?

Foot shape and arch dynamics Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of a risk management strategy related to protective equipment?

Assessing risks associated with the equipment and how to mitigate them Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foam provides excellent absorption of impact but lacks durability?

Open Cell Foam Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'limiting' refer to in the context of protective equipment?

Preventing a joint from moving through a certain range of motion Signup and view all the answers

Which material is NOT typically used for absorption in protective equipment?

Plastic Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the original purposes of helmets in contact sports?

To prevent or minimize trauma to the head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about helmets is false?

Helmets can prevent all injuries. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the evolution of helmets in sports is accurate?

The last NHL player to play without a helmet did so in 1996. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of closed cell foam in protective equipment?

Durable and does not absorb water or perspiration readily Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of crushable foam in helmets?

To control the force of impact Signup and view all the answers

Which helmet design is more suitable for high mass, low velocity impacts?

Football helmets Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does Expanded Polypropylene foam (EPP) primarily exhibit?

It is squishy and used for multi-impact sports Signup and view all the answers

How can too thick foam in a helmet affect its functionality?

It can extend the outer circumference of the helmet Signup and view all the answers

What type of impact do hockey helmets generally need to address?

Low mass, high velocity impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical consideration for shoulder pads in sports?

The style of shoulder pads based on contact type Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of the epaulette in shoulder pads?

To assist in force dispersion Signup and view all the answers

Why are cantilever shoulder pads rarely used in hockey?

Collisions in hockey typically occur from the side Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the cantilever strap in shoulder protection?

To disperse force from front to back Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the NOCSAE?

It functions as a for-profit organization Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the number of approved helmet models from 1972 to 1992 due to NOCSAE research?

Decreased from 85 to 25 models Signup and view all the answers

Which protective component acts as a 'donut pad' over the clavicle?

Clavicle channel Signup and view all the answers

When did the work to establish a football helmet standard by NOCSAE begin?

1970 Signup and view all the answers

Which body part does the deltoid cup specifically protect?

The head of the deltoid and the humerus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the materials used in shoulder protection is true?

The cantilever strap is made from vinyl or synthetic material Signup and view all the answers

What significant focus did NOCSAE's research efforts include?

Improving design and structure of helmets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protective Equipment Characteristics

Protective equipment design principles involve redirecting impact forces to alter their path and lessen the force of impact
Protective equipment design often utilizes a hard outer shell for impact resistance, while smooth and round surfaces are favored to reduce friction and redirection
Protective equipment should disperse impact forces over a large area, often via rigid, continuous materials like cantivers or a combination of hard shells and foam
Absorption is the equipment's ability to absorb some of the impact or shock and diminish the force reaching the body, for example through air or foam
- Air absorption provides good impact absorption, comfort, and a better individual fit
- Foam absorption provides decent impact absorption but has longer return to original shape, is generally durable, and doesn't readily absorb water/perspiration
Limiting the movement of a joint within a specific range of motion via materials like tape, splints (sam, foam, nylon, neoprene, leather, or metal), to restrict mobility
Contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse demand specific equipment for head and shoulder protection.
Helmet purpose is to minimize head trauma, though not all injuries are preventable

Helmet Components and Materials

Helmets typically use crushable foam (EPS) or Expanded Polypropylene foam (EPP)
- EPS is very crushable and doesn't return to its original shape after impact
- EPP is more "squishy"
Helmet design implications can include an extended outer circumference, non-smooth surfaces or external additions which may interfere with helmet movement or sliding, which can cause neck wrenches

Comparison of Hockey and Football Helmets

Football helmets face more frequent and intense body contact over shorter periods, often with high mass, low velocity Impacts
Hockey helmet blows are typically isolated, fast-acting impacts with low mass and high force.

NOCSAE

NOCSAE is the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, which is a non-profit organization formed in 1969 to commission research and establish test standards for athletic equipment
It set standards for football helmets, beginning in 1970.
NOCSAE published a test standard by 1973
This involved equipment installed into manufacturing plants, with manufacturers certifying their own equipment compliance
Changes to the tests resulted in shell size modifications, and switching from stiffer to softer materials for construction

Helmet Testing and Standard Revisions

There have been revisions and improvements to NOCSAE standards to improve the safety and quality of a helmet
A considerable decrease in head injuries, resulting in zero deaths, occurred in the 1990s
The revisions in standards are partially due to rules and equipment changes.

Other protective Equipment (shoulder pads)

Shoulder pads come in two main styles (flat and cantilever) for protection/dispersion of force
Components of shoulder pads include epaulettes, forming spring, cantilever strap
Shoulder pad components vary, and their design is tailored to the impacts typical to the sport

Other organizations Involved in protective equipment standards, and testing

NAERA is the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioner's Association, and was instrumental in finding that 84% of reconditioned helmets failed NOCSAE testing in 1975
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the National Federation of State High School Associations adopted NOCSAE Standards for football helmets by 1978 and 1980
HECC (Hockey Equipment Certification Committee) developed the standards and process for hockey helmets

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles and functionalities of protective equipment used in contact sports. This quiz covers critical considerations for selecting and repairing protective gear, as well as understanding the materials used. Perfect for students and professionals in sports therapy and athletic training.