Equipment Fitting Instructor Lecture PDF

Helmet Fitting  Background Head injuries (what are we protecting from?) Crucial piece of equipment Proper fit Visibility, comfort and hearing We shouldn’t promote an injury just to protect from one  Helmet Fitting Some guidelines to c...

Helmet Fitting  Background Head injuries (what are we protecting from?) Crucial piece of equipment Proper fit Visibility, comfort and hearing We shouldn’t promote an injury just to protect from one  Helmet Fitting Some guidelines to consider: Educate the athlete (on what?) Inspect the helmet (New? Used/ reconditioned?) Ensure helmet is covered under current certification (Certification is not warranty) Clean and sanitize (don’t be gross) Be assertive and confident Something you will hear a lot ‘fake it ‘till you make it’. But this doesn’t mean giving incorrect information  Helmet Fitting What are some questions you may want to ask your athlete prior to fitting a helmet? History of head trauma Previous experience with helmets Light sensitivities (do they need a visor?) Position of play for cage/visor Appropriate helmet for level of play Think street hockey goalie helmet being used in minor hockey  Helmet Fitting Guidelines: Follow manufacturer’s guidelines/directions Inspect helmet (Both new and reconditioned) Head/hair should be wet/damp (mimic sweat) Measure head circumference 1” above eyebrow Have athlete put helmet on Check for proper fit  Helmet Fitting Guidelines: Must routinely check for each fitting: snug fit check height change in altitude must check bladder chin straps (2, 4, or 6 strap systems) jaw pads are essential in football (and lost occasionally) How is this “routinely checked”?  Helmet Fitting What is the importance of fitting a helmet correctly? How can we ensure that the helmet is fit properly? Did you know the CFL, NFL, & NCAA use 3D imaging to custom fit each athletes head!! Click Here If I use TikTok, does that make me cool? Trick question, I’m already cool. But watch this anyway Helmet fitting procedure  HELMETS - Maintenance Should be examined prior to and following each game Things that need to be considered: any cracks result in immediate discard of helmet examine and tighten all connective hardware any rusted or well used nuts/bolts should be replaced at the end of each season, all helmets should be thoroughly checked for corrosion  HELMETS - Maintenance Examine condition of protective cage/visor Examine condition of straps and locking clips that secure helmet in place Periodically check the fit of the helmet on the player’s head Helmets should be cleaned at least once during the course of the season Warning Sticker/Certification Sticker  Warning Label Scientists have not reached agreement on how the results of impact absorption tests relate to concussions. No conclusions about a reduction of risk or severity of concussive injury should be drawn from impact absorption tests. NO HELMET SYSTEM CAN PREVENT CONCUSSIONS OR ELIMINATE THE RISK OF SERIOUS HEAD OR NECK INJURIES WHILE PLAYING FOOTBALL. Keep your head up. Do not butt, ram, spear or strike an opponent with any part of the helmet or faceguard. This is a violation of football rules and may cause you to suffer severe brain or neck injury, including paralysis or death and possible injury to your opponent. Contact in football may result in Concussion/Brain Injury which no helmet can prevent. Symptoms include loss of consciousness or memory, dizziness, headache, nausea or confusion. If you have symptoms, immediately stop and report them to your coach, trainer and parents. Do not return to a game or contact until all symptoms are gone and you receive medical clearance. Ignoring this warning may lead to another and more serious or fatal brain injury. NO HELMET SYSTEM CAN PROTECT YOU FROM SERIOUS BRAIN AND/OR NECK INJURIES INCLUDING PARALYSIS OR DEATH. TO AVOID THESE RISKS, DO NOT ENGAGE IN THE SPORT OF FOOTBALL.  How to make helmets team specific Albany FIREWOLVES Equipment Manage r ND Fighting Irish Guardian Caps: Extra Protection?? Katie Mitchell PhD. AT Player opinions Is Cost a factor? Shoulder Pad Fitting  Shoulder Pad Fitting Guidelines: ask athlete about past history (Shoulder, ribs, clavicle etc) measure athlete (As per guideline) ask athlete what position (Size matters as we all know) put pads on and have athlete mimic game movement (Throw, catch, shoot etc) neck opening must allow athlete to raise arms  Shoulder Pad Fitting Guidelines: inside of pad should cover tip of shoulder in line with lateral aspect of shoulder check cantilever (if appropriate) epaulets and cups must cover deltoid If Hockey, does the arm section affect the elbow pad? check front and back of pads Does the athlete or position need more pads added? Click this link   SHOULDER PAD - Maintenance Examine condition of outer shell prior to and following each game Things to be considered: cracks must result in the replacement of the damaged piece when possible or discontinue use of the pads examine condition of straps and locking clips that secure pads in place examine the foam liner to ensure that there are no rips or tears  Here’s the thing…. Face masks/ cages, shoulder pads….basically anything are meant to protect an athlete from contact. In ‘the heat of sports’, they are also used as something to grab on to. While the equipment is required to play as part of player safety, they can also be used in an unsafe manner This was all in the same game