One of the first known helmets designed specifically for the game was made by a Maryland shoemaker for a Naval Academy midshipman named Joseph Reeves, who was told by a doctor that he had to give up football or else risk death from another kick in the head. Determined to play in the Army-Navy game, Reeves consulted the shoemaker to create a protective device for his head. By , helmets were being mass produced by manufacturers like Rawlings and Spalding.
A Chicago manufacturer created the first plastic helmet in the s, and included a chin strap in his new design. The shape also got some customization, from the original slightly flat top to a teardrop shape, which allowed the impact of a collision to slide to one side or the other instead of taking the blow head-on. By this time, helmets were being required in more settings.
Chicago won that game against the Washington Redskins by a whopping By the s, nobody was wearing leather helmets anymore. Once again, Paul Brown proves to be an innovator. Tinted visors, though they may look cool, are only permitted by the league with the approval of appropriate medical documentation. Head injury is a growing concern in all sports, but especially football. Surprisingly, the rule book is light on helmet specifications. While there many incredibly specific rules on intentionally striking a player with a helmet or otherwise using the helmet with any sort of malicious intent, there are no rules dictating what kind of helmet a player can wear other than the stipulation that all helmets must be approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment NOCSAE.
Players are free to choose their own helmets for their own reasons, be it protection, nostalgia, or even vanity. Believe it or not, vanity was even a concern back in the halcyon days of Paul Brown, whose players initially objected to the face mask mandate because they made players too anonymous. Today, helmet mandates in the NFL rule book focuses only on the chinstrap and face mask:.
Helmet with chinstrap white only fastened and face mask attached. The only official rule on helmets. The only other regulations have to do with logos and branding. However, there are signs that this many be changing. Both manufacturers have released helmets designed specifically to protect against concussions after research found that most concussions were caused by hit impact to the side of the head or jaw.
The NFL have also taken steps to ensure players safety, such as requiring a brief examination on the sideline after head blows, but the issue remains one of the most controversial in sports. But so has the game. Players are faster and stronger than they ever have been and the hits just keep on coming. New materials, new designs, new technologies , and perhaps even new regulations will make sure the helmet keeps up with the game.
A sampling of the many face masks offered by Riddel Riddel During the s and 70s, manufacturers developed thick foam padding that was installed in the helmets and in , the full face mask appeared. Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Are you ready to learn even more about football? Do you know the rules?
Do you know what a quarter in football is? How long is a football field? Check out these facts about American football and share the most interesting with a friend or family member. Do you like basketball? Do you play a sport that requires a lot of pads and a helmet? Think about the sport you play and the equipment you need to play safely or just a sport you like and the things they wear and use for protection. Make a list of those items. For each item on the list write an explanation of how it protects the player.
Share your list with a friend or family member. Time to get creative! Have you ever wanted to start your own football team? What would you name the team? What would the uniforms look like? Most importantly, what would the helmets look like? Draw your own helmet or download this helmet template and design your own unique look. What color will it be? Will it have the mascot on the side? You choose! Share your design with a friend or family member. Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering?
Join the Discussion. Related Wonders for You to Explore Match its definition: the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed. Word Match Congratulations! Share results.
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