1. Protective Sports Equipment

2. Introduction
Modifications and improvements in protective equipment for sports continues to occur. Protective equipment is generally recognized as a viable method of preventing both initial injury as well as re-injury. Currently there is a need for better standards and rules related to the design, selection and use of protective equipment.

3. Legal Concerns Increased Litigation Product Liability
Avoiding Litigation Related to Equipment
Buy best possible from reputable manufacturer
Follow manufacturers directions
Maintain equipment properly and warn participants about dangers of improper use.
Routinely inspect and replace defective equipment

4. Head Protection
Football Helmets NOCSAE Certification Types of helmets in use today
Hockey and Baseball/Softball Helmets
Face Protection
Throat and Mouth Protection
Ear and Eye Protection
Neck Protection

5. Trunk & Thorax Protection
Importance of Chest Protection
Football Shoulder Pads
Breast Protection/Support
Rib Protection
Hip, Buttocks & Tail Pads
Groin and Genitalia

6. Footwear & Ankle Supports
Shoes
Commercial Foot Pads
Ankle Braces Spat-Type braces Air Stirrup Others
Shin and Lower Leg
Thigh and Upper Leg
Ankle brace video

7. Knee Braces Knee Pads Knee Braces Prophylatic knee braces
Neoprene and elastic sleeves
Patello-femoral braces
Functional knee braces
Rehabilitative knee braces

8. Knee Brace Video

9. Construction of Protective Devices
Custom Pad and Orthotic Materials - Soft materials Thermomoldable plastics - Casting materials
Tools and Materials Available
Custom Foot Orthotics Semi-soft, semi-rigid, and rigid

10. Summary
Athletic Trainers should know how to select and properly fit protective equipment for all parts of the body in a variety of sports.
Head protection, especially the fitting, maintenance, and proper use of football helmets should be a major liability concern.
How well do ankle & knee braces work?
Know how to customize protective pads.