This is the basic list of football equipment. All of the items below are provided for each child with the exception of a Mouth Piece.
The guide below is written by USA Football
- Standard Equipment Recommendations
******If you purchase a Helmet or Shoulderpads these items MUST be approved prior to use in practice or game******
Helmet
The helmet is typically the most recognizable piece of all sport's equipment. It protects various parts of the head from collisions with other players and the ground. The chin strap will be standard equipment for all helmets. There are different types of helmets including their padding structure. One must follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure proper fitting. USA Football recommends that helmets be reconditioned and recertified annually by a reconditioner licensed by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). In addition, ensure that your helmet reconditioner is a member in good standing with the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA). Only helmets with the NOSCAE Seal of Certification shall be worn. Click NOCSAE for more information.
Having a proper fitting helmet is essential for youth players; therefore, each youth league must take the proper steps to train equipment mangers and coaches how to fit a helmet properly.
- Click here for proper fitting instructions provided by Riddell.
- Click here for proper fitting instructions provided by Schutt.
Face Mask
The role of the face mask is to shield the face from contact and collisions. Most importantly, it protects the nose. There are many styles of the face mask, depending on position, which provide the player with several options.
Shoulder Pads
These pads tend to take the most abuse during the course of the game. Shoulder pads are extremely important because they cushion the impact a player makes with other players and the ground. Shoulder pads protect the shoulders, chest, and back.
- Click here for proper fitting instructions provided by Riddell.
Girdle and Hip Pads
These pads are probably the smallest pads required for competition. The hip and tailbone pad protect both respective areas. They are made of foam and are held in check by the girdle. Care must be taken to guard the exposed edge of the hip bone, the base of the spine and the kidney area. Pads must be either worn in girdle or attached to a belt or pants.
Thigh Guards/Pads
The thigh pads are the biggest leg pads and are worn underneath the pants. They protect the quadriceps muscles from collisions with other players and the ground. There are many different sizes for players at different positions. Kickers and punters generally wear the smallest size pads because those positions receive the least amount of contact.
Knee Pads
Knee pads protect the knees, fit inside the lower part of the pants and are constructed of shock absorbing material.
Mouth Piece
The mouth piece is fitted and should be inserted into the mouth prior to any live play in practice and a game. The mouth piece does protect players’ teeth but even more importantly, it protects from concussions resulting from blows to the head. It can be either attached or unattached to the helmet. It is recommended that a mouth piece is a “keeper strap” variety. This “keeper strap” enables the mouth piece to be safely secured to the face mask.