Recertification

NOCSAE is the only standards
organization that provides a standard for
equipment recertification.

Recertification

NOCSAE is the only standards
organization that provides a standard for
equipment recertification.

It is our belief that having equipment recertified is the most effective way to make sure equipment performs as designed and intended.

If you have concerns or questions about a piece of equipment, we recommend and encourage you to send it to a reconditioner for inspection.

Related Information

Recertification Standards

  • Football Helmets – ND004
  • Football Faceguards – ND087
  • Lacrosse Helmets – ND043
  • Ice Hockey Helmets – ND032
  • Baseball/Softball Batters & Catchers Helmets – ND026

Overview

NOCSAE does not recondition or recertify equipment, but our standards provide for reconditioning. This is a benefit to consumers because equipment can be used for a longer period of time before being replaced.

Recertification and reconditioning are separate activities, but they are performed at the same time because equipment must be tested before and after reconditioning.

    • Recertification – Retesting previously certified athletic equipment to ensure the equipment continues to meet the original requirements of the NOCSAE standard. The process includes updated labeling.

 

    • Reconditioning – The inspection, cleaning, sanitizing and repair/restoration of athletic equipment to the original performance standard.
      To maintain the original certification, which means proof of compliance to a NOCSAE standard, helmets and faceguards must be reconditioned and recertified according to manufacturer instructions. Recertification primarily applies to football helmets and faceguards. Some lacrosse helmets and some softball/baseball helmets are also eligible for recertification. High schools, universities, private leagues as well as individual owners are responsible for ensuring their equipment is reconditioned and recertified.

Reconditioning Companies

Most reconditioners belong to NAERA, which is the professional association of athletic equipment reconditioners in the U.S. All members of the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association have NOCSAE licenses to recertify equipment.  NAERA-member reconditioning facilities are inspected regularly by a third-party auditor to confirm quality control and assurance.

Keep in mind:

  • Equipment should be sent right after the current season ends to ensure it’s ready before the next season begins.
  • In most cases, football helmets can be recertified until the helmet is 10 years old, per NAERA and manufacturer guidelines.

For a complete list of reconditioners, visit NAERA.net/reconditioners.

The Process

When helmet shipments are received, random samples are tagged for testing. These randomly selected helmets are tested by a technician both before and after reconditioning using the NOCSAE drop test, which requires specialized equipment. All helmets are carefully analyzed and undergo a thorough reconditioning process.

Labeling

A dated recertification label is added to every helmet with the name of the NAERA recertifying facility and year of recertification.

Recertified helmets must have a recertification label that includes the name of the recertifying firm and the year of recertification. This seal may be placed on the interior or exterior of the shell in an area in which it can be easily read without removal of any permanent component and will also contain the following language: “This helmet has been recertified according to procedures established to meet the NOCSAE Standard.”

Replacement Parts

NOCSAE standards are not brand specific. There is no requirement in the test standard or the performance standard for any specific brands, materials or designs. The standard does, however, require that “all components must function as originally certified” which requires replacement parts to be of equivalent quality to the manufacturer’s original parts.

Equipment Turn-Around Time

On average, the reconditioning and recertification process takes six or more weeks. In some cases, helmets are stored when received and put through the reconditioning and recertification process closer to the delivery date requested by the school.

Production time at NAERA facilities varies. Send equipment immediately after the season ends to ensure it’s ready for play before the next season.

New Reconditioners – First Steps

The best way to begin is by contacting NAERA through their website to ask about costs and learn other essential information.

It is not necessary that you start under or affiliate with any association, including NAERA, but it is highly recommended. The most important reason to do so has to do with a requirement of NOCSAE’s recertification standard (ND004). It requires that a statistically significant sample of helmets by model, size, brand and other characteristics is tested both before AND after reconditioning. For more information about this, contact NAERA.

NOCSAE does not certify any company to operate either as reconditioner or as a recertifier. However, we do require that reconditioners/recertifyers perform recertification activities pursuant to a license agreement with NOCSAE. This agreement imposes obligations and responsibilities on the reconditioner/recertifier, including mandatory compliance with all the provisions of the NOCSAE recertification standard, as well as paying a license fee for each helmet recertified.