Fitting of protective football equipment

Abstract

As no other guide was found to illustrate and describe protec tive equipment and its fitting, we have prepared this treatise. Properly fitted protective equipment for football is a must to prevent injury from occurring. Many injuries result from im properly fitted equipment. The helmet and shoulder pads are the most important pieces of equipment that require proper fit. Adequate face masks and jaw pads are essential to the helmet. Cantilever shoulder pads are necessary for most positions, with straps for those with subluxating or dislocating shoulders. Other pieces of equipment that need attention are cervical collars, hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, pants, and shoes. Elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and mouthpieces are essential to the player and care must be taken to see that they are compat ible with proper fit. Special materials such as Ensolite,@ Hex- celite,® RTV-11,® Orthoplast, Lightcast, or Therm-O-Foam® may be utilized to construct special pads. Today's modern football equipment provides adequate protection. It is impera tive that all personnel involved in fitting equipment be knowl edgeable about the subject.