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Comparison of Impact Performance between Youth and Varsity Football Helmets
David W Sproule1, Steven Rowson1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech.
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part P, Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology
|February 9, 2018
Summary
Youth football helmets perform similarly to adult varsity helmets, as current designs and testing standards are the same. This suggests a need for youth-specific standards considering differences in player impact exposure and physiology.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Engineering
- Pediatric Safety
Background:
- Youth football helmets (under 14) share design and testing standards with adult varsity helmets.
- Existing research lacks specific evaluation of youth helmet impact performance compared to adult counterparts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact performance of matched youth and adult varsity football helmets.
- To determine if age-specific helmet design influences protection against head impacts.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated eight helmet models (youth and adult) using an impact pendulum.
- Utilized a modified National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) headform and Hybrid III neck.
- Conducted 576 impact tests across four shell locations and three velocities, recording linear and rotational acceleration.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in impact performance (linear/rotational acceleration, concussion correlate) between youth and adult helmets.
- Helmet performance was consistent despite intended age group, likely due to identical design and testing standards.
Conclusions:
- Current testing standards do not differentiate youth football helmets from adult versions, leading to similar impact performance.
- Future youth-specific helmet design should consider age-related differences in anthropometry, physiology, and injury tolerance.
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