Chapter 6 Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment

CHAPTER 6
Selecting and Using Protective Sports
Equipment
OVERVIEW
The proper selection and fit of protective sports equipment is critical in the
prevention of injuries. It is important that those individuals working with athletes
have knowledge and skill in the proper selection, fit, and use of the equipment
available.
Because of the nature of contact and collision sports equipment, manufacturers
are highly concerned with equipment standards. Recently there has been an
increase in the number of lawsuits concerning protective sports equipment. Those
individuals responsible for selecting, purchasing, and fitting equipment can expose
themselves to potential lawsuits if an injury occurs.
Head protection is a major concern in many sports. Helmets must constantly be
checked for proper fit, and maintenance. Additionally there is a wide variety of
equipment available to protect the face and mouth from athletic injuries.
There is a huge market to choose from for protective equipment. Commercial as
well as custom-made products are used in athletics; therefore, it is helpful for those
working with athletes to be knowledgeable with regards to the products available. In
addition, there needs to be an understanding of the basic principles involved in the
selection, fitting, and maintenance of protective equipment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying Chapter 6, the student should be able to:

Identify the legal concerns related to the use of commercial protective
equipment.
Describe the function of the NOCSAE with regards to equipment recertification
and reconditioning.
Describe the difference between off-the-shelf and custom made protective
equipment.
Describe the different types of protective equipment including eye protection,
ear protectors, trunk and thorax protectors, mouth guards, knee braces, heel
cups, and arch supports.
Describe the proper technique for fitting a football helmet and shoulder pads.
Describe the steps involved in properly fitting shoe wear.
Describe the efficacy of knee and ankle braces in reducing injuries.

KEY TERMINOLOGY

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - Organization that sets the
standards for material, equipment, and facilities
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Chapter 6 Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) - Sets standards for ice hockey helmets
Custom-made Equipment Equipment that is constructed according to the
individual characteristics of the athlete
Intraoral - Inside the mouth
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) Organization that sets the standards for football helmet certification
Off-the-Shelf Equipment Equipment that is pre-made and packaged by the
manufacturer
Orthotics Devices used for correcting biomechanical problems that exist in the
foot
Photochromic lenses - Lenses that change color when exposed to ultraviolet rays
then return to a clear color when removed from the sun's rays
Prophylactic - Pertaining to prevention, preservation, or protection

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How can an individual be assured that a selected piece of equipment is safe to
use?
2. Why are mouth guards recommended for sports other than football?
3. What is the difference between commercial stock and custom protective
devices?
4. How has the use of facemasks in football and ice hockey affected injury rates?
5. Why do some teams use a combination of football and ice hockey shoulder
pads?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages to the many types of sport bras?
7. What are the components of a shoe and what are the considerations for deciding
on the proper shoe?

CLASS ACTIVITIES
1. Invite a local sporting goods dealer in to explain some of their protective
equipment.
2. Ask the local college equipment manager to discuss the maintenance of football
protective equipment.
3. Have groups of students investigate the sports rules as they apply to equipment
and discuss types of casts, braces, and splints that might be used to protect an
athlete from injury.
4. Have the class practice proper fitting of a football helmet and shoulder pads.
5. Invite a local attorney in to discuss product liability concerns and how these
concerns can affect those individuals working with athletic teams.
6. Have each student bring in a pair of shoes to analyze the qualities of that shoe.

WORKSHEET ANSWERS
Matching
1. h
2. e
3. b

5. g
6. c
7. d
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Chapter 6 Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment

4. a

8. f

Short Answer
9. Football helmets: NOCSAE Hockey Helmets: CSA
10. Polycarbonate
11. Wrestling and boxing
12. Off-the-shelf equipment is pre-made, packaged by the manufacturer, and can be
worn immediately without modifications and include ankle braces and neoprene
sleeves. Custom equipment is constructed according to the individual
characteristics of the athlete.
13. Intraoral mouth guards protect the teeth, absorb shock of chin blows, helping to
reduce the chance of concussion, minimize lacerations to the lips and cheeks,
and minimize fractures to the lower jaw.
14. The distance from the heel to the bend in the foot and the distance from the
heel to the end of the longest toe
15. To minimize excessive vertical and horizontal movements of the breasts that
occurs with running and jumping
Listing
16-19.See Athletic Injury Management Checklist (Page 120)
20.Helmet should fit snugly around all parts of head without gaps.
21.Helmet should cover the base of the skull.
22.Helmet should not come down over the eyes. The front edge should sit inch
above eyebrows.
23.Ear holes should be aligned with the external opening in the ear canal.
24.Helmet should not shift when manual pressure is applied.
25.Helmet should not recoil on impact.
26.The chinstrap should be equal distance from the center of the helmet.
27.The chinstraps should keep the helmet from moving up and down or side to side.
28.The cheek pads should fit snugly against the sides of the face.
29.The facemask should be attached securely to the helmet, allowing a complete
field of vision.
Essay
30-36.See Focus Box 6-2 (Page 104)
37-42.See Table 6-1 (Page 116)

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Chapter 6 Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment

NAME ______________________________
SECTION__________

CHAPTER 6 WORKSHEET
Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment
MATCHING: Match each item with the appropriate response.
______1.
______2.
______3.
______4.
______5.
______6.
______7.
______8.

Off-the-shelf equipment
Direct contact/collision sports
Facemasks
Orthotics
Heel Cup
Protective Knee Brace
Intraoral Mouth Guard
Rehabilitative Knee Brace

a. Devices used to correct

biomechanical problems that exist
in the foot
b. Devices that protect the face and
nose
c. A device used to protect the MCL of
football linemen
d. A device used to decrease the risk
of concussion
e. Football, hockey, and lacrosse
f. A device used after surgical repair
of the knee
g. A device used to compress the fat
pad and add cushioning to help
alleviate symptoms of plantar
fasciitis
h. Pre-made and packaged products,
includes ankle braces and neoprene
sleeves

SHORT ANSWER: Answer the following questions with a brief response.

9. Which organizations are responsible for the regulation of football helmets and
hockey helmets?
10.For maximal protection, what type of material is used to make lenses, face
shields, and protective goggles?
11.Which two sports have the highest incidence of ear injuries?
12.What is the difference between off-the-shelf protective equipment and custom
protective equipment?
13.Why should athletes wear intraoral mouth guards?
14.What two measurements must be considered when fitting shoes?
15.What is the purpose of sports bras?

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manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

Chapter 6 Selecting and Using Protective Sports Equipment

LISTING: List four ways that individuals can decrease the possibility of sport related
injuries and lawsuits related to equipment.
16.
17.
18.
19.
List the steps in properly fitting a football helmet.
20.

25.

21.

26.

22.

27.

23.

28.

24.

29.

ESSAY:
30-36.Discuss the guidelines that should be followed with regards to purchasing and
reconditioning football helmets.

37-42.Discuss differences between tennis, aerobic, and running shoes.

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2013 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.