()The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), a national committee that oversees standards for athletic equipment, is encouraging parents, coaches, and athletes to refresh their knowledge on helmet protection and safe play.

These are the three steps to follow:

1. Make sure you know what helmet to use A football helmet cannot prevent all head injuries, even concussions.

A concussion can be complicated and involve many factors. Advertisements or media claims that a particular helmet will prevent concussions or protect against them are often false and dangerous.

When considering helmet options, don’t rely on one data point, rating, or measurement.

It is crucial to get the right fit. Helmets are made to be safe and perform well. Ask your athlete how it feels. Helmets shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. You can find fitting and wear instructions from the CDC Foundation at http://www.cdcfoundation.org/HeadsUp.

Look out for the logo on your helmet. It reads: “Meets NOCSAE Standard.”The NOCSAE logo indicates that a helmet model meets the highest scientific-based performance standards.

You should not modify or alter your football helmet. Additions and removal of padding can affect the function of your helmet and could cause it to perform poorly.

2. Keep your helmets in good condition. Helmets that have been recertified will have a label on the helmet which indicates the name and date of recertification. Ask your school administrator or coach about the recertification and reconditioning policy.

After 10 years, replace the helmet.

3. Prioritize Safe Play Football helmets can help protect against head injuries. Make sure you use proper blocking techniques and tackling techniques. Also, insist on the enforcement of rules that prevent players from using their helmets to strike other players.

Concussion symptoms can include headaches, nausea, confusion and memory problems. Encourage everyone to report any symptoms. After a concussion diagnosis has been made, athletes must not be allowed to return to sport until they are cleared by doctors. If in doubt, you should sit it out.

Visit this site for more information www.NOCSAE.org.