Tests were performed on the ForceField FFTM headband / headgear in accordance with the standard specification* for headgear used in soccer at an independent laboratory certified to test the headgear in accordance with ASTM F2439. The ForceField headband / headgear passed all tests in accordance with the protocol set forth in the standard. It should be noted that Dr. Abraham was and still is a member of the ASTM committee that was responsible in the creation of that standard and as well as the re-approvals up through 2011*.
In addition, the same tests and more rigorous testing was performed by independent laboratories in Europe. As a result of six months of independent testing, the ForceField FF Protective Headband/Headgear was awarded the CEII Mark which designated the ForceField products as "Protective Headbands." This designation was required to legally distribute the ForceField products throughout Europe, the Far East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The test results that are shown below is additional test data performed on the ForceField headgear exposing the ForceField headbands to much higher impacts that were required in the ASTM F2439 standard. The tests illustrate the effective absorption and dissipation properties of the headgear when exposed to significantly higher forces equivalent to the testing protocol applied to protective headgear used in other sports such as ice hockey and baseball.
Based upon the results of all of the tests that were performed in accordance with ASTM F2439, the undersigned has both the experience (refer to www.scientificadvisory.com) and authority to test the ForceField headgear at independent laboratories, approve and certify the results in accordance with the Standard.
Dr. C. J. Abraham,
PhD, JD, PE, CPC, FRSC, DEE, FTI, BCFE, DCEE, CChE, CChem
Technical Director, ForceField FF (NA), Ltd.
For several years, there has been considerable public discussion about head injuries and head protection in soccer.
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials) has adopted a product performance standard for soccer headgear. You can review the standard at http://www.astm.org/.
No headgear or other protective equipment can prevent all injuries, so headgear is not being suggested by anyone as a way to make soccer totally safe. However, the NFHS encourages players, parents, coaches and other interested persons to assess the fact that headguards satisfying ASTM standard F2439-06 for soccer headgear are available. Further, they should take the opportunity to decide for themselves if headgear is something they would see as beneficial.
Note the ASTM standard does not address head to ball impacts, rather head to hard surface impacts such as head to head, head to ground and head to post, which are believed to be the primary mechanism in most soccer concussions.
Attached is a list of some soccer headguards that, according to the manufacturers, meet or exceed the ASTM soccer headgear standard. Please be aware that the NFHS is not recommending or endorsing any particular brand of headgear, or headgear in general. We are forwarding this information to inform members of the high school community about a matter they may find of interest.
The NFHS has been informed that the following products satisfy the test and performance requirements of the ASTM standard for headgear used in soccer.
Inclusion of a product on this list does not signify endorsement or recommendation by the NFHS. As we are made aware of other products that satisfy the standard, we will add them to the list.
The products on this list are allowable under NFHS rules as long as the product is in its original configuration and has not been modified.
