To provide maximum protection against head injuries, helmets worn by athletes in contact sports such as youth hockey, need to fit correctly, but a new study of boy's hockey players age 8 to 14 years found that less than one third of hockey helmets are properly fitted. (Williams, 2014).
Because no validated helmet fit checklist currently exists in the literature,* researchers created, with the assistance of 2 helmet and protective equipment content experts, the following checklist to assess whether a boy's youth hockey helmet fits properly:
- Helmet fits head snugly on all sides.
- Helmet covers the base of the skull.
- Helmet does not impinge neck movement.
- Crown of helmet is 1 to 2 fingers above eyebrows.
- Helmet does not cover eyes when pressing down.
- Facemask does not slip when pulled to left or right.
- Facemask does not slip when pulled up and down.
- Chin straps have equal tension.
- All snaps and screws are in place.
- All padding is in place.
- The helmet appears in good condition.
- HECC ice hockey certification sticker is visible.
Source:
Williams RM, Valovich McLeod TC, Register-Mihalik JK, Mihalik JP, Marshall SW, Linnan LA, Guskiewicz KM. A Preliminary Study of Helmet Fit Characteristics and Knowledge. Ath Tr. & Sports Health Care. 2014;6(5):206-212.
