Does the Revolution series helmet really decrease concussions by 31%?
Where private companies fail to self regulate, the government will interject accordingly. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) sent a firm letter to the FTC urging the commission to investigate helmet manufacturers and refurbishers (“helmet companies”) regarding their misleading safety claims.
Behind motor vehicle accidents, the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries between 15-24 year-olds is sports related. This startling statistic is the impetus for Sen. Udall to put pressure on the helmet companies to better test and certify helmets and not to practice false and deceptive advertising. Additionally, the supposed watchdogs, such as the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, may have guidelines for helmet companies, but they have no teeth. There is no real enforcement division that can actually chase down companies for misleading data. This is where the FTC comes in as deceptive practices are not taken lightly.
Of course Riddell CEO Dan Arment thinks Sen. Udall’s position is filled with holes and his company is at the pinnacle of R&D, and welcomes the FTC’s scrutiny and review. In fact, Arment and Riddell are proud of their popular Revolution series helmet which advertises a decrease in concussions by 31% compared to traditional helmets. However, Sen. Udall suggests there is very little to no scientific data to support such claim.
At this point, head injuries are a growing problem with players today getting bigger, stronger, and faster than yesterday. Sen. Udall should be applauded for his continued efforts to push his safety agenda for a sport every Pop Warner league kid dreams of playing on Sundays.
