Abstract

As no other guide was found to illustrate and describe protective equipment and its fitting, we have prepared this treatise. Properly fitted protective equipment for football is a must to prevent injury from occurring. Many injuries results from improperly fitted equipment. The helmet and shoulder pads are the most important pieces of equipment that require proper fit. Adequate face masks and jaw pads are essential to the helmet. Cantilever shoulderpads are necessary for most positions, with straps for those with sublaxating or dislocating shoulders. Other pieces of equipment that need attention are cervical collars, hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, pants, and shoes. Elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and mouthpieces are essential to the player and care must be taken to see that they are compatible with proper fit. Special materials such as Ensolite, Hexcelite, RTV-11, Orthoplast, Lighteast, or Therm-O-Foam may be utilized to construct special pads. Todays modern football equipmentprovides adequate protection. It is imperative that all personnel involved in fitting eqipment be knowledgeable about the subject. Verf.-Referat