In Development

Proposed Youth Helmet Standard ND006

For more than a decade, NOCSAE has been researching science and data to support a separate standard for football helmets specific to youth players. Previously there was insufficient data to suggest youth-specific criteria for a helmet standard. However, in January of 2020, the NOCSAE Standards Committee voted to formally begin the development process for a youth helmet performance standard. The vote was the culmination of input from the NOCSAE Scientific Advisory Committee and findings from two recent youth football research studies funded by NOCSAE.

Kids in red jerseys playing football

NOCSAE worked to ensure that any steps to enhance protection for youth players are grounded in science and do not create other unintended risks. The process examined these key considerations:

• Smaller size and weaker neck musculature of youth players

• A lower mass helmet needed to lessen so-called bobblehead effect for youth players

• Feasibility

The youth helmet football standard is a priority for NOCSAE and currently in Proposed New status. NOCSAE expects the proposed youth football helmet standard could advance to final status soon.