The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic
Equipment (NOCSAE) is an independent organization that sets performance
standards for athletic equipment, including helmets standards for various
sports. In the sport of polo, helmets standards are crucial for the safety of
players, as the fast-paced nature of the game and use of mallets can pose a
risk of head injuries.
In 2019, NOCSAE introduced new helmet standards for polo,
known as the ND041 standard. These standards were developed in collaboration
with the United States Polo Association (USPA) and the Professional Polo Health
and Safety Committee (PPHSC). The new standards aim to improve the safety of
polo helmets designs by focusing on impact performance and stability.
One key aspect of the ND041 standard is the requirement for
helmets manufacturers to test their products using a polo-specific impact test.
This test simulates the type of impact that can occur during a polo match, and
measures the ability of the helmet to reduce the risk of head injury. Helmets
that meet the ND041 standard are required to reduce the risk of head injury by
at least 50% compared to helmets designs that do not meet the standard.
In addition to the impact test, the ND041 standard also
includes requirements for helmet stability. This is important because a stable
helmet is less likely to move or shift during play, which can reduce the risk
of injury. To meet the stability requirements, helmets manufacturers must test
their products using a head form stability test. This test measures the ability
of the helmet to remain stable on a simulated head form when subjected to
various types of movement.
Another important aspect of the ND041 standard is the
requirement for helmet manufacturers to provide detailed information about the
materials and construction of their products. This includes information on the
type of padding used, the thickness of the padding, and the type of shell
material. This information is important for players and coaches to understand
the protective capabilities of different helmet designs.
Overall, the NOCSAE ND041 standard represents an important
step forward in improving the safety of polo helmets designs. By focusing on
impact performance and stability, the standard helps to ensure that players
have access to high-quality helmets products that can help reduce the risk of
head injury during play.
It's important to note that while NOCSAE helmet standards
are widely recognized and respected in the sporting industry, they are not a
guarantee of protection against injury. Helmets can help reduce the risk of
head injury, but they are not a replacement for good judgement and safe play
practices. Players should always follow the rules of their sport and use
caution when participating in any athletic activity.
If you're a polo player, it's important to choose a helmet
that meets the NOCSAE ND041 standard. This will give you the best possible
protection against head injury during play. Be sure to also follow proper
helmet fit and maintenance guidelines to ensure that your helmet is functioning
properly. With the right helmet and safe play practices, you can enjoy the
sport of polo with confidence and peace of mind.
Also, there are several reasons why it is important to wear
a helmet when playing polo:
- Head
injuries are a common risk in polo: The fast-paced nature of the game and
the use of mallets can pose a risk of head injuries. Wearing a helmet can
help reduce the severity of these injuries if they do occur.
- Helmets
can help reduce the risk of head injury: Helmets that meet NOCSAE's ND041
standard are required to reduce the risk of head injury by at least 50%
compared to helmet designs that do not meet the standard.
- Helmets
can improve stability: The ND041 standard includes requirements for helmet
stability, which is important because a stable helmet is less likely to
move or shift during play, reducing the risk of injury.
- Helmets
can provide peace of mind: Wearing a helmet while playing polo can give
players added peace of mind, knowing that they are taking steps to protect
themselves against head injuries.
Overall, wearing a helmet is an important safety measure for
anyone participating in the sport of polo. It is important to choose a helmet
that meets the NOCSAE ND041 standard and to follow proper fit and maintenance
guidelines to ensure that the helmet is functioning properly.