New equipment models that have met certification requirements to NOCSAE standards have met a very high bar for protectiveness and quality. This high bar continues to be upheld through recertification and reconditioning.

Unique to NOCSAE Standards

There are no other athletic equipment standards which provide for product recertification once the product has been sold and placed into use. NOCSAE recertification standards are utilized nearly 2 million times a year by schools, teams and clubs throughout the United States and Europe.

• • Recertification is the process whereby previously certified helmets (and certain other equipment types) undergo testing to determine that the equipment continues to meet the original certification requirements.

• • Reconditioning is the inspection, cleaning, sanitizing and repair/restoration of athletic equipment.

Recertification testing must occur as part of a reconditioning process. This is because equipment samples—which are randomly selected for testing—must be tested both before and after they have been reconditioned. Members of the national Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) are licensed by NOCSAE to recertify football, lacrosse, softball/baseball helmets, and face guards. The facilities of NOCSAE-licensed reconditioners are regularly inspected for compliance.

Recertification is not a requirement under NOCSAE standards, although it is our belief that having equipment recertified is the most effective way to make sure equipment performs as designed and intended.