Protective Sports Equipment

Introduction

Modifications and improvements in protective equipment for sports continues to occur. Protective equipment is generally recognized as a viable method of preventing both initial injury as well as re-injury. Currently there is a need for better standards and rules related to the design, selection and use of protective equipment.

Legal Concerns

Increased Litigation Product Liability Avoiding Litigation Related to EquipmentBuy best possible from reputable

manufacturer Follow manufacturers directions

Maintain equipment properly and warn participants about dangers of improper use. Routinely inspect and replace defective equipment

Head Protection

• Football Helmets NOCSAE Certification

Types of helmets in use today• Hockey and Baseball/Softball Helmets• Face Protection• Throat and Mouth Protection• Ear and Eye Protection• Neck Protection

Trunk & Thorax Protection

• Importance of Chest Protection• Football Shoulder Pads• Breast Protection/Support• Rib Protection• Hip, Buttocks & Tail Pads• Groin and Genitalia

Footwear & Ankle Supports

•Shoes• Commercial Foot Pads• Ankle Braces

- Spat-Type braces - Air Stirrup

- Others• Shin and Lower Leg• Thigh and Upper Leg•Ankle brace video

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFmj-ytQ5Bc&feature=related

Knee Braces

• Knee Pads• Knee Braces

• Prophylatic knee braces • Neoprene and elastic sleeves

• Patello-femoral braces• Functional knee braces

• Rehabilitative knee braces

Knee Brace Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hupLM5HFP8

Construction of Protective Devices

• Custom Pad and Orthotic Materials- Soft materials- Thermomoldable plastics- Casting materials

• Tools and Materials Available• Custom Foot Orthotics

- Semi-soft, semi-rigid, and rigid

Summary

• Athletic Trainers should know how to select and properly fit protective equipment for all parts of the body in a variety of sports.• Head protection, especially the fitting, maintenance, and proper use of football helmets should be a major liability concern.• How well do ankle & knee braces work?• Know how to customize protective pads.