WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW

*A coach should suspect a head, neck or back injury if the player is unconscious after being tackled or hit or the helmet has been cracked or broken.

*If a head neck, or back injury is suspected, activate the Emergency Action Plan and follow the emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care.

*Except in rare instances, the helmet and shoulder pads of an injured athlete should not be removed. An injured athlete can most often be cared for with the helmet and shoulder pads left on.

*It is recommended that only the facemask be removed. A tool to remove the facemask should be in the first aid kit.

*Examinations and transportation by medical personnel can take place with the helmet and shoulder pads left in place.

*The only instance in which an athlete’s helmet and shoulder pads should be removed is when a medical authority believes that it is necessary for the care of the athlete, or if the equipment interferes with the rescuers’ ability to provide required CPR.

FOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK AND BACK

Minimize movement of the player’s head, neck and back by putting your hands on both sides of the player’s head. Maintain an open airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. If possible, have the player remain in the position that you found him or her until EMS personnel arrive and take over.

A football player who sustains a suspected spinal injury should have his helmet left on until both the helmet and shoulder pads can be carefully removed together in a hospital emergency room under controlled stabilized conditions by a professional medical staff. Removing an injured athlete’s helmet and/or shoulder pads carries the inherent risk of further injury.

The most devastating injuries in all of sports are to the head, neck or back. If the athlete is cared for in the proper manner, one may prevent further injury . It is critical that all individuals involved in sports be trained to know what to do should this type of injury occur.

If you suspect a player has a head, neck or back injury, tell him not to nod or shake his head but to answer questions by saying “yes” or “no.” The goal is to minimize movement. Activate the Emergency Action Plan, and follow the emergency action steps, Check- Call-Care. Check the scene for safety and check the athlete. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number when needed. Care for the player until EMS personnel arrive.

Medical examinations and ambulance transport can take place with the helmet and shoulder pads left in place. Having the helmet on may be an advantage in immobilizing and transporting the injured athlete because it may keep the athlete in an appropriate anatomical position.

Coaches should be able to remove the facemask of an injured athlete quickly and easily. While performing this task, the head, neck and back must be supported so that no movement of the neck will occur. The removal of the facemask can be accomplished using several different tools. A coach should check with the team physician, certified athletic trainer, or emergency medical technician for advice on the best tool to be used in removing the facemask. In most cases, removing the facemask will give a responder access to the face and mouth of the injured athlete if CPR or rescue breathing becomes necessary.

If removal of the helmet is necessary, loosen straps and pull directly backward. Obtain available assistance to minimize neck movement and to maintain the neck in a neutral position (level with the height of the shoulders). After the helmet is removed, keep the neck in the neutral position with manual support or by placing towels or clothing under the head. If the shoulder pads must be manipulated to provide chest compression do so carefully and with the least amount of movement. Maintain maximum neck control and move only as much as is required to provide effective chest compression.

The study, which will be published in February’s edition of Neurosurgery, found that athletes who wore the Riddell Revolution helmet were 31 percent less likely to suffer a concussion compared to athletes who wore traditional football helmets. The authors of the study estimate that the Revolution’s patented technology could translate to 18,000 to 46,000 fewer concussions among the 1.5 million high school players who participate in football each season. While these results are very encouraging, Riddell stresses that no helmet will prevent all concussions.

“The study compared the concussion and recovery rates for high school players wearing Riddell Revolution helmets versus helmets of traditional design,” said Thad Ide, Riddell’s vice president of research and development, who joined other researchers in co-authoring the paper with Drs. Michael Collins and Mark Lovell of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program. “The Revolution helmet is a great first step in reducing the risk of concussion to the athlete, but we can’t stress enough the importance of proper management when concussions do occur.”

The Riddell Revolution was the first football helmet designed with the intent of reducing the risk of concussion. The Revolution design features patented technology that was based on extensive research funded by NFL Charities. Researchers found that most of the concussion-causing impacts were to the side of the head, face or jaw of the struck player in incidents that were re-created in the laboratory after video analysis.

The unique design of the Revolution helmet is based on a Tru-Curve shell shape, which was computer-designed around the head’s center of gravity. It features increased side and facial protection to lessen the impact in these areas.

“The reinvention of the conventional helmet began with a focus on the head’s center of gravity and increasing protection where it was needed most,” added Ide. “At the heart of the Revolution is its Tru-Curve shell shape — it enabled us to improve protection, comfort, fit and vision – all great benefits for the athlete.”
When the Riddell Revolution was introduced in 2002 it was the first major innovation in football helmets in 25 years – since that time more than 300,000 youth, high school and pro players have made the switch from traditional helmets to the Revolution.

“The presence of an anticipated protective advantage compelled us to recommend the helmet to our players when it was originally introduced,” said Tim Bream, head certified athletic trainer for the Chicago Bears. “This new data helps our players make an informed choice when deciding which helmet is best for them.”

“As a mother and wife of an ex-NFL player I have a unique perspective,” said Jennifer Montana, wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer, Joe Montana. “Our kids’ protection is paramount, so when I heard about the protective benefits of the Revolution, I wanted my kids, and the other players from their football league, to have the best protection available. In my eyes, this new research confirms that the Revolution is the best football helmet for my kids.”

For more than 75 years, Riddell has continued to be the leader in innovation for the protective equipment industry.

“True to our roots, Riddell has always made protective equipment innovation a priority,” said Bill Sherman, president and CEO of Riddell, Inc. “We’re excited that the UPMC results validate the Revolution, but we don’t plan to rest on our laurels.”

For more information about the Riddell Revolution family of products, ask your football coach or athletic director, or log on to www.riddell.com.

Download the Official Press Release PDF

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

Background: Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) conducted a three-year on-the-field study of more than 2,000 high school football players to compare how the Riddell Revolution football helmet performed in reducing the risk of concussions compared to standard or traditional helmets.

Key Findings: The study found that the Riddell Revolution provided better protection against concussions than helmets of traditional design.

In relative terms, athletes who wore the Riddell Revolution were 31 percent less likely to suffer a concussion compared to athletes who wore traditional or standard football helmets. For athletes who had never suffered a previous concussion, wearing the Riddell Revolution decreased their relative risk of concussion by 41 percent. Both of these findings were statistically significant.

In absolute terms, 5.3 percent of athletes wearing the Revolution experienced concussion and 7.6 percent of athletes wearing traditional helmets experienced concussion.

The authors estimate that Riddell’s new helmet technology could translate to between 18,000 and 46,000 fewer concussions among the 1.5 million high school students who participate in football each year.

Implications: Introduced in 2002, the Riddell Revolution was the most innovative helmet introduced in more than 25 years – since that time over 1 million high school, college and pro players have made the switch from traditional helmets to the Revolution family of helmets.

While no helmet will prevent all concussions from occurring, this study suggests that the Revolution football helmet reduces the incidence of concussion in high school players when compared to helmets of traditional design. This is a good first step. Hopefully future research, continued improvements in helmet design, and better concussion management strategies will further reduce the risk and severity of concussions to the athlete.

More Information: To find out more about the Riddell Revolution family of products, parents or players should ask their coaches or athletic directors, call 1-800-275-5338, or log onto www.riddell.com.

The entire Neurosurgery, February 2006, Vol. 58, No.2 study

Contact:
Erin Griffin
Riddell
(224) 585-5231
eegriffin@riddellsports.com

Four of the Top 10 teams in the country, including No. 4 Florida, No. 5 Texas, No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 7 USC, are currently sporting Riddell Revolution Speed helmets. The Longhorns boast more players wearing the Riddell Revolution Speed than any other Division-I college football team.

Other Top 25 teams currently wearing the Revolution Speed include the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes, No. 14 Georgia Bulldogs, No. 23 Maryland Terrapins, No. 24 Florida State Seminoles and No. 25 Pittsburgh Panthers.

“To say the technology in the Revolution Speed Helmet is creating a buzz in the football world is an understatement,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “From offering the very latest in protective technology combined with comfort and style, this helmet is truly the pinnacle of protective wear.”

Shown to reduce incidence of concussion by 31% versus traditional helmets*, the helmet’s Revolution Concussion Reduction Technology uses three principal design elements – an offset shell, mandible extensions and energy managing S-Pads – to provide superior protection for players on the field. Additionally, the Revolution Speed utilizes Riddell’s proprietary push-button Quick Release™ Face Mask Attachment System to cut cage removal time by 50 percent – a feature that certified athletic trainers are demanding.

* Neurosurgery, February 2006, Vol. 58, No.2

Download the Official Press Release PDF

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

The three-count federal court complaint identifies three Schutt helmet models that infringe upon Riddell’s patented technologies for football helmets and faceguards. Infringing products are identified as Schutt helmets marketed under the “DNA,” “ION,” and “AIR XP” product names.

The Riddell patents protect key technological features of helmets and faceguards that offer wearers greater injury protection, performance and personal comfort. The suit alleges that despite Riddell’s patent protection, Schutt has used Riddell’s technology without permission.

“Riddell’s pioneering products offer unique innovations that protect our athletes,” said Dan Arment, President of Riddell, Inc. “We are committed to developing the best sports equipment for our customers and we will protect our research and development legacy against any company trying to use Riddell technology in their products.”

The lawsuit asks a federal jury to prevent further patent infringement and to award damages.

Riddell designs, markets and reconditions helmets, uniforms and protective equipment used in football and other team sports. Founded in Chicago in 1929, Riddell has been the official helmet of the National Football League for 19 years and is the market leader in the institutional football category. Riddell helmets protect more NFL and Division 1 NCAA football players than any other. Riddell also delivers “best in class” equipment and reconditioning services. For more information, visit Riddell at www.riddell.com.

Download the Official Press Release PDF

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

Riddell’s ground-breaking three-year partnership (through 2011) with USA Football marks its first with a national governing body and represents its most significant foray into the youth football community, composed of approximately 3.0 million players and more than 120,000 teams.

Independent non-profit USA Football, based near Washington, D.C., conducts more than 100 annual football training events nationwide offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league administrators. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in every state and the District of Columbia.

Riddell, whose equipment is worn by more than 80% of NFL players, will be woven into USA Football’s 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives including:
- USA Football National Teams: outfit America’s national teams in football for international competitions
- USA Football Coaching Schools: full-day coaching clinics exclusively designed for volunteer youth football coaches
- USA Football Player Academies: three-day player camps for youngsters aged 9-14

The partnership gives Riddell the exclusive right to provide helmets and protective equipment for USA Football’s 2009 Junior National Team, America’s first high school-aged national team in football. Team USA will compete among an eight-nation field spanning four continents at the 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium from June 27-July 5. More than 50 nations have national federations dedicated exclusively to American Football.

“USA Football is a terrific fit for Riddell with its large and dedicated membership attending first-class football training events nationwide,” said Riddell President DAN ARMENT. “This partnership will have an immediate positive impact for us within football’s passionate grassroots community. It also represents a further extension of our commitment and involvement in youth football, and we’re truly honored to be an integral part of the USA Football Junior National Team.”

“Welcoming an industry leader like Riddell into the USA Football family is a tremendous source of excitement for us,” said USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK. “We’re proud to place Riddell equipment on our national teams and to provide their high-quality equipment to the hundreds of youth and school-based football programs that benefit from our equipment grants. We highly value our new and dynamic Riddell relationship.”

About USA Football

USA Football conducts more than 100 football training events annually to strengthen the game on youth and amateur levels. USA Football members – coaches, game officials and league administrators – reside in all 50 states. The independent non-profit based near Washington, D.C., manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and has provided more than $1.5 million in equipment grants for youth leagues and high school football programs since 2006. USA Football was started by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund and is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp. For more, visit usafootball.com.

Download the Official Press Release PDF”

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

Riddell is revered throughout the NFL and NCAA for its industry-leading protective wear. The technology built into helmets such as the Revolution Speed, for instance – worn by many NFL and college football players – is shown to reduce the incidence of concussion by nearly a third.

“Riddell is pleased to be a part of the American Youth Football organization,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell. “We recognize the importance of protection for players of all ages and we embrace AYF’s belief in creating an atmosphere where all kids deserve equal opportunities, special attention and respect.”

Riddell will be offering its protective technologies in the form of helmets and shoulder pads, in addition to comprehensive tutorials and educational information aimed at players, parents, coaches and administrators alike.

“AYF is excited to have football’s most respected protective equipment company on board,” said Jessica Abramovich, Executive Director of American Youth Football. “Our players will benefit from this partnership, as it fulfills our continued mission to provide them with the highest level of protection.”

About American Youth Football

American Youth Football, Inc. (AYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, and National Youth Partner of the National Football League. AYF provides support services, scholarships, grants, “Giving Back” programs and tournaments to over 500,000 youth members. Representing participants in over 2000 cities, AYF is the only youth football program with members in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to Giving Back and since its inception in 1996, has successfully donated over $14 million dollars in grants and athletic product to communities that support youth football. AYF offers all-inclusive football and cheer divisions enabling every child a place and an opportunity to play. Visit www.americanyouthfootball.com for more information.

Download the Official Press Release PDF

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com

Coaches and commissioners do much to prepare for the start of the football season when it comes to ensuring the safety of players on and off the field. First aid kits are one of the most convenient and best ways to be ready at all times and in a case of emergency. Ted Crites of the American Red Cross gives USA Football followers some tips on creating a safety plan.

First, Crites recommends basic first aid training for all coaches.

“Training coaches in first aid prepares them with knowledge and skills to prevent injuries and illnesses in the first place, recognize the signs and symptoms early if they do occur and then respond to prevent the situations from becoming worse,” he said. “If coaches are required to take some sort of first aid training, they can react to most situations.”

Brett Hunter of the Football and Cheerleading Club of Johnson County (Kan.) formed a positive relationship with a local medical center for coaches to get proper first aid training.

“We have a relationship with Shawnee Mission Medical Center that provides first aid handbooks to every team in our league (more than 130 teams),” Hunter said. “They then have a 30 minute portion in our coaches’ orientation clinic that they go through the handbook and take questions. They also attend our coach’s education clinics and talk more in depth about it.”

Next, Crites recommends every first aid kid to be supplied for many situations.

“Cuts, scrapes, bumps and bruises as well as muscle, bone and joint injuries seem to be common situations in football,” Crites said. “First aid kit supplies could include a variety of sterile bandages, sterile solution for minor wound irrigation like saline, or even clean water, antibiotic ointment or antiseptic, ice packs or cold packs and medical tape or conforming bandage tape.”

In Hunter’s league, coaches must have an approved first aid kid on-hand at all times.

“Each coach or team is required to have an American Medical Association approved first aid kit on hand at every practice,” he said.

With practices beginning in the hottest summer months, heat-related illnesses are also a major concern for coaches.

“Perhaps the most important emphasis for heat-related situations should be on prevention,” Crites said. “Part of being prepared for heat-related illness is to know how to recognize early the signals of exertion and heat illness and how to provide first aid care. Again, this is best accomplished through training of coaches in first aid and injury prevention.”

One precaution the Football and Cheerleading Club of Johnson County takes is not allowing teams in the league to practice if the temperature is above 95 degrees.

“If the temperature is 95 degrees or above or the heat index is 105 degrees or above, practice may not be held,” Hunter explained. “We have a weather line that is updated at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. every day.”

Being prepared for any possible situation, such as a heat-related illness, is one of the most important aspects football coaches must keep in mind when conducting practices and leading during games. Getting coaches the proper training they need and ensuring that first aid kids are properly assembled are the best ways to keep youth football players safe on the football field.

The star running back breaks into the open field at full speed and “pop” – he grabs the back of his leg falling to the ground in pain. While this scenario is repeated in football, and many other sports, shouldn’t we reduce the chance of it happening? Stretching is a key weapon in an athlete’s ability to reduce the chance of injuring or “pulling” something.

Stretching and flexibility are important aspects in preventing injuries, improving performance and decreasing muscular soreness. Stretching can be done in several ways and should be included before and after every workout. Stretching the muscles you work and working the muscles you stretch is an important analogy repeated in many of today’s publications.

Two important types of stretches that should be included in a football conditioning/practice program are dynamic and static stretching. Following a stretching program is important and may reduce a youth athlete’s chance of missing the big game due to a muscular injury.

Dynamic stretching is often overlooked while developing a flexibility program. Dynamic stretching involves actively moving a body part, in a controlled manner, to the limit of the athlete’s range of motion. An example is walking 20 yards while gently kicking your leg into the air. These type of stretches are important in increasing flexibility but also work as a good warm-up.

Static stretches are what most of us think of as stretching. An example of a passive static stretch is to pair up players and have each one lift his partner’s leg into the air to stretch the hamstrings. These types of stretches should be performed after the dynamic activities. Holding these stretches for an extended amount of time allows the muscle to relax and be pushed further.

Football is a game that requires our bodies to be pushed to the extreme. Muscles, tendons and joints are also pushed to the limit on many occasions during a football season. Utilizing dynamic and static stretches as part of a pre- and post-game routine will allow joints and muscles to become increasingly flexible while reducing the chance of injury and maximizing performance.

Contact:
Christie Burgner Shein
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5237
christie.shein@mslgroup.com