You may have seen all the craze about the new shoulder pad rules, and statements like “you won’t be able to play if you don’t buy this” or “make sure you’re equipment is eligible for this upcoming season” etc., etc. So, here you are, months later, with the same shoulder pads you’ve always had and nobody has said boo about noncompliance while you’re out on the field. So why do you have to buy them? Better yet, why should you absolutely WANT to buy them? Let’s take a look at the rule change, and why it happened…
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment saw an issue and rightfully stepped in to create some preventative measures. Commotio Cordis is a life-threatening phenomenon that is fairly common in sports. Around 15-25 athletes die each year as a result of commotio cordis, and most of these athletes are under the age of 18. Basically, when an athlete is struck in the chest in a certain way or at a specific moment during the heartbeat, they are sent into a cardiac crisis.
To help decrease these instances and prevent this lethal injury from occurring, NOCSAE has instituted new regulations regarding shoulder pads. The new pads have more effective chest protection to decrease impact and significantly lower the chances of commotio cordis.
It’s really just a matter of safety. Yea, we get it, the chances of it happening to you are low. But, wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? It is just one less thing to worry about while your child is out there on the field. NOCSAE dumped $2 million of research into this, so now it is up to you to protect your kids. What are you waiting for?
