Helmet Fitting: One Size Does NOT Fit All!

Abstract Coaches play an important role in ensuring that safety measures, including proper helmet fit, are practiced in youth and high school football. If proper guidelines and safety checks are adhered to, helmets will function as they are intended for in injury prevention and protection. Studies have shown that approximately 84% of youth and high school football helmets are improperly fitted, thus demonstrating the need for continued education and increased competency among novice and seasoned coaches to meet the guidelines and standards for proper fit. The purpose of this article is to (1) provide an infographic as a quick reference guide that can be used to assist coaches and players in remembering the steps of how to size, check, fit, stress and recheck a helmet and (2) demonstrate the minimum criteria coaches need to proficiently implement to properly fit a helmet so best practices toward greater safety can be achieved in youth and high school football.