NOCSAE Makes Statement on Helmet Modifications

There are many new products on the market that are intended to be added to helmets, in particular football helmets, which products claim to reduce concussions and make helmets safer and more protective.

Whether these are additional liners or padding on the inside, or bumpers, pads, coverings or electronic devices that attach to the outside of the helmet, these products were not included in the certification testing and quality control programs that are required for all helmets that are certified to the NOCSAE standards.

To address this situation, and to protect the integrity of the NOCSAE standards, the NOCSAE board of directors has adopted
the following position:

“NOCSAE helmet standards are specific to models which are identical in all aspects, except as to size. The testing required to support the certification is also specific to the model being certified. NOCSAE standards require that any change in configuration, padding, shell geometry, or protective system requires a new model designation with separate certification testing.”

“The addition of after-market items by anyone that changes or alters the protective system by adding or deleting protective padding to the inside or outside of the helmet, or which changes or alters the geometry of the shell or adds mass to the helmet, whether temporary or permanent, voids the certification of compliance with the NOCSAE standard.”

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