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Equipment

Equipment needed to play youth football in the ZYFA Grades 3-8:

- White Helmet with exterior warning label which meets the NOCSEA standards

All helmets need to be NOCSAE Certified. To be NOCSAE Certified, they need to be either new or reconditioned for the 2023 or 2024 season.

A new NOCSAE Certified helmet will need a sticker on the back that says “Initial Season 2023” or “Initial Season 2024”.

A recertified/reconditioned NOCSAE Certified helmet will need a sticker on the back that says “Recertified for 2023 Season” or “Recertified for 2024 Season”

If either the new or recertified sticker came off the back, there should also be a sticker located on the inside of the shell.

- Mouth guard
- Shoulder pads
- Athletic supporter with protective cup
- Cleats (metal cleats are not allowed)

Game jerseys and navy blue football pants are provided for each player and are theirs to keep.


Most retail outlets have people who can help advise you on a proper fit for football equipment. Here are some guidelines when selecting helmets and shoulder pads.
 

Helmets:

  • Make sure ear holes are centered with the helmet’s ear openings
  • Eyebrows should be 1 to 1 ½ inches below the helmet’s edge
  • Jaw pads should follow the contours of the cheek
  • Rotate helmet side to side. Forehead skin or hair should move with the helmet but shouldn’t slip
  • Face guard is 2 to 2 ½ finger widths from the tip of the nose
  • Vision should be 180 degrees left to right and 75 degrees up and down

Shoulder Pads:

  • Weight measurement. Figure out weight and convert to a chest size
  • Laces are centered and pads fit tightly
  • Caps on the outside of the shoulder pad extend 1/3 to halfway on the arm
  • Shell padding extends ¾ to 1 inch beyond the AC joint when arms are a the athlet’s side
  • 2-3 inch space between the shell padding and the neck
  • Arches adequately cover the pectoral area
  • Motion isn’t impeded. Should be able to raise and lower his arms without the pad riding up into the neck opening

These equipment guidelines are suggested by Billy Rice, a national promotion manager and speaker for directors, football coaches, equipment managers and athletic trainers regarding equipment and safety. 


Complete equipment guidelines can be found on the USA Football website:https://www.usafootball.com/health-safety/equipment-fitting