Show Equipment Safety on Football Field With school and the football season just around the corner Dr Sherman S. S Coleman chairman of the athletic injures injuries injuries ies es committee for the Utah State State Medical i ion o n sounds a warning to parents and school officials who may maybe maybe maybe be purchasing football equip equip- ment HE POINTS out that surveys by the National Federation ol of State High School Athletic Association Association Association As As- and the AMA committee committee committee com com- on sports show that protective protective protective pro pro- equipment is a major factor in safeguarding th the e health of the athlete Specifically the two groups group gro ps s recommend FOR THE HEAD A helme helmet t of shock-absorbing shock materi a 1 encased in a rigid plastic shell Snug fit and protection from m bottoming of the helmet onto ont o oA the head must be assured A face mask rigid with internal cushioning not to protrude farther farther farther far far- ther than 1 lJ 4 inches from th the e nose which can prevent elbow contact with the eyes a s fitted dentist-fitted mouthpiece For the body All pads pad s should incorporate shock ab material and cover the intended area properly The fit of the pants must assure effective effective effective ef ef- ef- ef positioning of the thigh and knee pads FOR THE ankles and feet All players should have their ankles routinely wrapped with non-elastic non 2 to 3 inch width bandage Cleats should be kept short rubber heels without cleats may be preferred The basic guiding to the selection of protective equipment for football or other sports for any age group are the the best available equipment equip equip- equipment ment should be purchased equipment should be carefully carefully carefully care care- fully fitted equipment should be conscientiously conscientiously con con- maintained equipment should be worn at all appropriate times in practice or in games THE STATEMENT add added e d two notes of caution Inferior equipment gives the wearer a false sense of security and puts him in jeopardy of serious injury COACHING that e s protective n f t as a a. a weapon is indefensible and can produce produce- injury to both the aggressor aggressor ag ag- g ressor and the opponent The AMA committee added words of warning to parents who intend to purchase a football football football foot foot- ball helmet for young players Recent tests prove that low- low priced helmets sold as toys are not suitable for real play |