Football helmet guide: fit, chin strap, NOCSAE and the 10-year rule
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- NOCSAE-certified youth football helmet. Best for: Youth tackle players. See options on Amazon
- Football chin strap. Best for: Replacing a worn strap on a compatible helmet. See options on Amazon
- Football helmet inflation needle and pump. Best for: Helmets with air bladders. See options on Amazon
Fit checks at a glance
| Check | What a good fit looks like | Sign of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Snugness | No spaces between pads and head | Helmet slides or comes off with chin strap on |
| Coverage | Ear holes line up with ears; front pad covers mid forehead to back of head | Sits too high or too low |
| Chin strap | Centered under chin and snug | Helmet does not pull down on a big yawn |
| Movement | Does not easily move front to back or side to side | Shifts when strap is fastened |
From the CDC HEADS UP Football Helmet Safety fact sheet. Always follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions too.
Sizing before you buy
- Bring the athlete. The CDC suggests bringing the player along when buying a new helmet so you can check fit.
- Measure the head. Wrap a soft tape around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, keeping it level front to back. No soft tape? Use a string, then measure it against a ruler.
- Check the brand's chart. Sizes vary between brands and models, so use the maker's sizing chart and fit instructions.
- Ask how it feels. A helmet must be snug, but one that is too tight can cause headaches.
- Match the hairstyle. Try it on with the hairstyle worn for games; a big haircut change may mean adjusting the fit.
Chin straps and air bladders
The chin strap is a big part of football helmet fit. The CDC's yawn test: have the athlete open their mouth wide, and the helmet should pull down on the head; if it does not, tighten the chin strap. On helmets with a four-point chin strap, all four straps must be snapped and tightened during fitting.
Some helmets use a special fitting system or air bladders that are inflated with a special needle so the bladders are not punctured. For bladder-equipped helmets, the CDC says to check for proper inflation. Make sure you can see the athlete's eyes and that they can see straight ahead and to the sides.
NOCSAE labels and standards
The CDC says to look for a football helmet with labels that:
- say it meets the NOCSAE standard, certified by the manufacturer or by SEI, meaning the model has been tested and meets NOCSAE performance and protection standards
- state whether it can be recertified, or when its certification expires if not
- specify how often it must be reconditioned and recertified
- show the date of manufacture
NOCSAE lists ND002 as its standard for newly manufactured football helmets, ND004 for recertified football helmets and ND087 for football faceguards. It also lists ND006, a proposed standard for newly manufactured youth football helmets.
Reconditioning and the 10-year rule
Reconditioning means an expert inspects and repairs a used helmet, replaces missing parts, tests it and recertifies it. The CDC says helmets should be serviced regularly by a licensed NAERA member, and not to let an athlete use a used helmet that has not been recently recertified. It notes only companies licensed by NOCSAE can recertify a helmet.
The CDC's "10 and out" rule: football helmets should be replaced no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture, and many will need replacing sooner because of wear and tear. Check the date label on any used or hand-me-down helmet before it goes on a player's head.
Care, storage and damage
- No home repairs. Athletes should not repair a helmet or faceguard themselves, and padding or internal parts should only be changed under a trained equipment manager.
- Retire damaged helmets. Do not use a cracked or broken helmet or one missing padding or parts. Check before and during the season.
- Clean gently with warm water and mild detergent; no soaking, high heat or strong cleaners.
- Store well, not in a car, in a room that is not too hot or cold and out of direct sunlight. Do not let anyone sit or lean on it.
- No paint or stickers without checking with the manufacturer.
The CDC also says there is no concussion-proof helmet. For other gear, see our youth football size guide and batting helmet guide.
What to look for when you buy
NOCSAE-certified youth football helmet
Best for: Youth tackle players
The CDC says to look for a label that says the helmet meets the NOCSAE standard.
Watch out: Check the date of manufacture; replace by 10 years.
See options on AmazonFootball chin strap
Best for: Replacing a worn strap on a compatible helmet
The CDC's fit checks rely on a centered, snug chin strap.
Watch out: Use a strap the helmet maker lists as compatible.
See options on AmazonFootball helmet inflation needle and pump
Best for: Helmets with air bladders
The CDC says bladder systems need inflation with a special needle to avoid puncturing them.
Watch out: Follow the helmet maker's inflation instructions.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How should a football helmet fit?
- Snug with no spaces under the pads, ear holes over the ears, and no sliding with the chin strap on.
- How do I check the chin strap?
- Have the athlete yawn wide; the helmet should pull down. If not, tighten the strap.
- How long does a football helmet last?
- The CDC says replace it no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture, sooner with wear.
- Can I buy a used football helmet?
- Only if it was recently recertified by a NAERA reconditioner, the CDC says.
- Are any football helmets concussion-proof?
- No. The CDC says there is no concussion-proof helmet.
Sources
- Get a Heads Up on Football Helmet Safety (fact sheet) (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- NOCSAE Standards (nocsae.org), National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment