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High School Athletes Are Switching Helmets Midway Through the Season: But is It Safe?

There are thousands of injuries to teeth athletes every year, ranging from minor strains to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord or brain injuries. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we’d like to see more steps being taken to keep our kids safe, some teams are allowing their athletes to do something that is arguably making them less safe. Remember that even minor head injuries can become serious issues when a person is subjected to them time and time again. Read on to learn more about the helmet debate and then reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation.

It started in college football but it’s moved to high school sports

It all began when some college football teams started switching out the helmets they wore throughout the season. People who like this trend say it’s just a simple fashion statement, and one athletic director in particular is clear that it’s just about looking cool and being in style. Which, he points out, can make it easier for them to recruit new team members. But if it puts kids at risk is it worth the extra marketing?

Officials are meeting to talk about the issue

The National Collegiate Athletic Association are meeting in Indiana to talk about this issue. Some say it doesn’t matter but the big concern is over how these helmets fit. One thing to keep in mind is that there are no two heads that are exactly alike, and at the college level, helmets are customized to fit specific athletes.

If a helmet is passed around for style purposes, one player may have to pull out padding or inflatable cushions to make it fit correctly, while another may have to add them. If the helmets are repeatedly switched from athlete to athlete several times in the season, it’s easy to see that players could be at serious risk.

Not everyone thinks it’s an issue

One researcher, who’s studied helmet safety, says that it doesn’t actually matter much. He says that the technology that’s used to today is good enough that changes in fit likely only have a minor impact on how safe a helmet is. That said, some colleges, along with the National Football League, have said that players must stick to a single helmet throughout the season unless the helmet is no longer functional.

The argument involves more than helmets

Now we’re seeing the NCAA discussing whether or not the same issues apply to players who change shoes throughout the season. The truth is that even if the researcher sited above is correct, and exchanging helmets has only a minor effect on safety, that minor effect could result in a serious injury.

If your college or high school aged athlete has been injured in a game, whether it involves a broken bone, a concussion, or something else, then there may be someone who needs to be held accountable. If you’re convinced that the injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.