Can you wear a football helmet that’s too big? No, you should never wear a football helmet that is too big or too small. A proper fit is crucial for player safety. This football helmet fitting guide will walk you through ensuring your proper football helmet fit every time. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right size to making the final adjustments, ensuring a football helmet safety fitting that protects your most valuable asset – your head.
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The Importance of a Correct Football Helmet Fit
A football helmet isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a vital piece of safety gear designed to protect players from serious head injuries. When a helmet doesn’t fit correctly, its ability to absorb impact and prevent concussions and other traumatic brain injuries is severely compromised. This makes the football helmet fitting process a non-negotiable step for any player, whether it’s a youth football helmet fitting or an adult football helmet fitting.
Why Fit Matters More Than Brand
While many brands offer excellent helmets, the best helmet is ultimately the one that fits your head correctly. A top-of-the-line helmet that’s too loose or too tight won’t provide adequate protection. Conversely, a properly fitted helmet from a reputable brand can significantly reduce the risk of injury. This is why focusing on the fit, rather than just the name, is the best way to fit a football helmet.
The Risks of an Improper Fit
- Increased risk of concussion: A loose helmet can shift on impact, failing to protect the brain adequately.
- Facial injuries: If the helmet is too large, it might not provide proper alignment for the facemask, potentially leading to facial fractures.
- Neck injuries: A helmet that’s too heavy or poorly balanced due to incorrect fitting can strain the neck.
- Discomfort and distraction: An ill-fitting helmet can be uncomfortable, distracting players during critical moments of the game.
Getting Started: Measuring Your Head
Before you even look at helmets, the first step in any football helmet fitting guide is to accurately measure your head. This will give you a starting point for selecting the right size.
What You’ll Need
- A flexible measuring tape (like a tailor’s tape).
- A piece of string or ribbon if a flexible tape isn’t available.
- A mirror to help with accuracy.
The Measurement Process
- Position the Tape: Wrap the measuring tape around your head. It should sit about one inch above your eyebrows and ears. Think of it as finding the widest part of your head, just above the brow line.
- Keep it Snug, Not Tight: The tape should be snug against your head but not so tight that it leaves an indentation. It should feel like how you’d want a helmet to feel – firm but comfortable.
- Take the Reading: Read the measurement in both inches and centimeters.
- Use String (If Needed): If you don’t have a flexible tape, wrap the string around your head in the same way. Mark where the string overlaps. Then, lay the string flat against a ruler or rigid tape measure to get your measurement.
Using a Football Helmet Size Chart
Once you have your measurement, you’ll use a football helmet size chart to find the corresponding helmet size. These charts are usually available from helmet manufacturers or retailers.
Example Football Helmet Size Chart (Illustrative – Always check manufacturer specifics):
| Head Circumference (Inches) | Head Circumference (Centimeters) | Helmet Size |
|---|---|---|
| 20 – 20.5 | 51 – 52 | XS |
| 20.75 – 21.25 | 53 – 54 | S |
| 21.5 – 22 | 55 – 56 | M |
| 22.25 – 22.75 | 57 – 58 | L |
| 23 – 23.5 | 59 – 60 | XL |
| 23.75 – 24.25 | 61 – 62 | XXL |
Important Note: Sizing can vary slightly between brands. It’s always best to consult the specific brand’s football helmet size chart you are considering.
Trying On the Helmet: The Core of the Fit
Measuring is just the first step. The real test is trying the helmet on. This is where you’ll determine if you have a certified football helmet fit.
Initial Placement
- Loosen Straps: Before putting the helmet on, ensure all internal padding and chin straps are loosened as much as possible.
- Straight Down: Place the helmet on your head, aiming to put it on straight down. Don’t try to force it on from the front or back. It should slide on comfortably.
The Snugness Test
- Nose Bridge: The helmet should sit comfortably on your head, with the front rim just above your eyebrows. It shouldn’t obstruct your vision. There should be no significant gap between the top of your nose and the helmet’s front.
- Side Pads: The side pads should hug your cheeks snugly, but not so tightly that they cause discomfort or push your jaw unnaturally forward.
- Back of the Head: The helmet should feel secure all around your head, particularly at the back. There shouldn’t be a large gap at the nape of your neck.
The “Jaw Push” or “Shake Test”
This is a critical step in assessing proper football helmet fit:
- Grasp the Helmet: With the helmet on and secured, try to wiggle it forward and backward. It should not move significantly.
- Side-to-Side: Gently try to twist the helmet side-to-side. Again, it should feel firm and not slide around your scalp.
- The Jaw Push: With the chin strap unbuckled, grab the front of the helmet and push down firmly. The helmet should stay in place and not slide down over your forehead.
- The Lift Test: With the chin strap unbuckled, grab the back of the helmet and try to lift it upwards. The helmet should not come off your head.
Checking for Comfort and Pressure Points
- No Pinching: The helmet should feel comfortable. You shouldn’t feel any sharp pressure points or pinching on your forehead, temples, or the back of your head.
- Even Distribution: The weight of the helmet should feel evenly distributed.
Adjusting the Helmet for the Perfect Fit
Most modern football helmets have adjustment systems that allow for fine-tuning the fit. Knowing how to adjust a football helmet is essential for achieving that certified football helmet fit.
Internal Adjustment Systems
Many helmets use an internal dial or ratchet system at the back of the helmet.
- Locate the Adjuster: This is typically a dial or a series of clips located within the helmet’s padding at the rear.
- Tighten Gradually: While wearing the helmet, turn the dial clockwise (or engage the clips) to tighten the internal harness. Continue until the helmet feels snug and secure, but not uncomfortably tight.
- Test Again: Perform the “shake test” and “jaw push” again to ensure the adjustment has resulted in a secure fit.
Cheek Pads
Cheek pads provide crucial stability and impact absorption.
- Snugness: They should be snug enough to prevent the helmet from moving sideways, but not so tight that they push your jaw forward or make talking difficult.
- Removable/Adjustable Pads: Some helmets come with interchangeable cheek pads of different thicknesses, allowing you to customize the fit further. If the helmet feels a little loose on the sides, thicker cheek pads might be the solution.
Chin Straps
The chin strap is the final piece in securing the helmet.
- Correct Placement: The strap should sit snugly under your chin.
- The “Two-Finger” Rule: You should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between the strap and your chin. It shouldn’t be so tight that it chokes you, nor so loose that the helmet can easily slip off.
- Buckle Securely: Ensure the buckle is properly fastened and the excess strap is secured to prevent it from dangling.
Specific Considerations for Youth Football Helmet Fitting
Youth football helmet fitting requires particular attention because children’s heads are still growing, and they may not be able to articulate exactly how a helmet feels or doesn’t feel right.
Growth Factor
- Don’t Buy for Growth: It’s a common mistake to buy a helmet that’s slightly too big with the expectation that the child will grow into it. This is dangerous. A helmet that’s too large offers less protection.
- Regular Checks: As children grow, their helmet fit needs to be reassessed regularly. Check the fit at the beginning of each season and even mid-season if you notice any changes.
Communication is Key
- Ask Specific Questions: Instead of asking “Does this fit?”, ask questions like “Can you see clearly?”, “Does it feel loose anywhere?”, “Does it hurt your ears or forehead?”.
- Observe Behavior: Notice if the child is constantly adjusting the helmet or complaining about it. This indicates a potential fit issue.
Common Football Helmet Fitting Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Here are some common football helmet fitting mistakes:
- Buying a Helmet That’s Too Big: This is the most dangerous mistake. Players often do this to “grow into” the helmet, but it compromises safety.
- Not Measuring: Relying on guesswork or just a general size can lead to an incorrect fit. Always measure.
- Ignoring the “Shake Test”: If the helmet moves excessively during the shake test or jaw push, it’s not fitting correctly.
- Tightening the Chin Strap Too Much: While it needs to be secure, an overly tight chin strap can be uncomfortable and doesn’t necessarily improve the helmet’s overall stability if the shell is too loose.
- Not Adjusting Internal Systems: Many helmets have adjustable harnesses that people forget to use, leading to a less secure fit.
- Focusing Only on Appearance: A helmet that looks cool but doesn’t fit properly is a safety hazard.
- Sharing Helmets: Helmets are designed for individual head shapes. Sharing can lead to improper fit and hygiene issues.
Maintaining the Fit and Safety
A helmet is an investment in safety. Ensuring it continues to fit well and remains in good condition is vital.
Regular Inspections
- Check for Damage: Periodically inspect the helmet shell for cracks, dents, or deep scratches. Check the internal padding for wear and tear.
- Padding Integrity: Ensure the padding is still providing a good cushion and hasn’t flattened out or become misshapen.
- Strap Condition: Make sure the chin straps are not frayed or worn out.
When to Replace a Helmet
- After a Major Impact: If the helmet has been involved in a significant impact, even if no visible damage is apparent, it’s best to replace it. The internal protective structures may have been compromised.
- Outdated Technology: Helmet technology evolves. Older helmets may not meet current safety standards. Check the manufacturing date and consider upgrading if it’s more than 5-10 years old, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Growth or Significant Weight Change: If a player experiences significant growth or weight change, the helmet fit should be re-evaluated and potentially replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I check the fit of my football helmet?
A: You should check the fit at the beginning of each season and anytime you feel it might be loose or uncomfortable. For youth players, checking more frequently is advisable due to growth.
Q2: My child grew a lot over the summer. Do I need a new helmet?
A: Possibly. If the helmet feels loose, slides around, or the chin strap is too short, it’s time for a new helmet or at least a fitting to see if different padding or adjustments can make it work. Never let a child play with a helmet that is too big.
Q3: Can I use a helmet from a previous season?
A: You can use a helmet from a previous season if it’s in good condition, hasn’t been involved in any major impacts, and still provides a proper fit. However, be aware of the helmet’s age, as technology and materials degrade over time.
Q4: What does “certified football helmet fit” mean?
A: It means the helmet meets or exceeds the safety standards set by organizations like NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) and fits the wearer correctly according to the fitting guidelines.
Q5: My helmet feels a bit tight on the sides, but the front and back feel fine. What should I do?
A: This is where interchangeable cheek pads come in handy. You might need thinner cheek pads to relieve pressure. If the helmet is already at its loosest adjustment and still feels too tight, you may need to consider a larger size.
Q6: What if the helmet is too large, but the padding seems to fill the space?
A: This is a common pitfall. While extra padding can make a helmet feel snug, it doesn’t necessarily restore the helmet’s ability to absorb impact correctly. The shell itself needs to be the right size to ensure proper energy dispersion. It’s best to get a helmet that fits the shell size properly first, then fine-tune with padding.
By following this comprehensive football helmet fitting guide, you can ensure a proper football helmet fit, contributing significantly to player safety on the field. Remember, a certified football helmet fit is your best defense against head injuries.