How Safe are Football Helmets?
Joe Inzenga
Why are Parents Worried to Let Their Son Play High-School Football?
Less and less kids are trying out for football. A huge part of that is because their parents won't let them. Why is this you may ask? The concussion rate is continuing to increase. (Sports)
Citation:
Sports, Erik. "Is the Future of High School Football on the Line?" USA Today. Gannett, 17 Nov. 2015. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.
Does the Type of Helmet Affect the Concussion Rate?
Citation:
Gaffney, Andrew. "10 Steps in the High-Tech Evolution of Pro Football Helmets." Popular Mechanics. 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.
Do We Have The Technology?
Several college football programs will be using the new Riddell SpeedFlex helmet and InSite Impact Response System in 2014. The helmet is designed to disperse energy, reducing the risk of trauma, while the InSite is intended to alert coaches when a player suffers a significant hit to the head, or multiple hits that combine to pose a risk. (Fuhrmeister)
SpeedFlex builds upon technology used in earlier helmet models. Some of its features:
Selected parts of the helmet flex, in order to reduce impact-force transfer to the athlete's head. Flex is engineered into the helmet's shell, facemask, and attachment system.
A new ratchet-style chinstrap attachment system was developed based on player feedback and is meant to be a new way to secure proper fit each play.
A redesigned interior liner that conforms to the shape of a player's head and fits the contours of the helmet shell (crown, back/side, occipital, lock, faceframe) for improved comfort and fit (Fuhrmeister)
Citation:
Fuhrmeister, Chris. "New Riddell SpeedFlex Football Helmet Pits Technology vs. Concussions." SBNation.com. 28 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2015.