How do I make sure my Child’s Football Helmet is Fitted Properly?

Some may say that with the start of the school year beginning this week, the summer is now officially over. While technically this is not true, it certainly may feel like it. However, with the end of summer also comes the beginning of many Americans favorite time of year — football season. Football season in 2014 is not going to be like football seasons past, however. With the landmark decision in the former NFL player lawsuit against the NFL, awareness of the risk of football players suffering from traumatic brain injuries due to multiple collisions to the head is at an all time high. Concussions, loss of consciousness, and diffuse axonal injuries are all too real of a possibility to happen in a football game. One way to prevent such injuries is to make sure the player’s helmet is fitted properly.

HOW TO CORRECTLY FIT A FOOTBALL HELMET

No matter if it’s a youngster just getting his start in pee-wee, a high-school freshman, or even collegiate and professional football players, it is important to understand how a football helmet should fit. Most coaches should be trained in how to properly fit a helmet, however, many younger children will often alter the fit of the helmet to make it more comfortable, making it more unsafe as a result. Here are the steps to properly fitting your child’s football helmet:

Check and measure head size, then check to make sure the helmet size matches the head size.
Hold the helmet with thumbs over the bottom of the jaw pads, and then pull the helmet down placing the index fingers in the ear holes. If the helmet cannot be pulled down onto head, or is pulled down to easily, you may need to adjust helmet size.
Adjust the helmet height by inflating the helmet bladder with a proper pump. The helmet should be approximately one inch above the player’s eyes when done inflating.
Then, you want to inflate the rear and side helmet bladder for a snug and comfortable fit.
Next, you want to ensure the jaw pads fit properly. If they are inflatable, inflate them until they are snug and comfortable. If they are not inflatable, adjust the size until they are comfortable.
To ensure a proper fit is achieved, take two hands and interlock them on top of the helmet. Then, push down on the crown of the head. The child should feel pressure on the crown of his head, but not his brow. If there is pressure on the brow, adjustments will have to be made.

CONTACT PINELLAS COUNTY TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEYS DOLMAN LAW GROUP

Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can result in life-altering damage to the brain, no matter how severe the TBI. As shown by the deteriorating health of many NFL veterans, multiple, but less severe collisions to the head can have a just as debilitating effect on the human brain as an extremely severe strike to head.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know has suffered from any form of traumatic brain injury as a result of the negligence of another party, contact the experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group today. Our attorneys have the resources to ensure our clients are properly compensated for the damages they have suffered. Call 727-451-6900 for a free and confidential consultation.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
727-451-6900

http://www.dolmanlaw.com/practice-area/brain-injury/