VIENNA, VA - - Football equipment purchasing and usage guidelines can provide any league administrator with a perfect starting point. Take a look at these best practices as offered by USA Football corporate sp0nsor Schutt Sports:
1. Plan equipment purchases in advance to allow availability of funds, and enough time for delivery on schedule and proper fit.
2. Due to strict budgets, cost of new equipment is always a consideration, but do not purchase only on the basis of cost without considering critical differences in product features and benefits.
3. Always use equipment for the use in which it was intended.
4. Make sure equipment is in compliance with existing standards, applicable rules and accepted practices.
5. Adopt a regular program of equipment evaluation and inspection. Maintain and repair equipment as needed based the results of your inspection. During the season, equipment should be inspected at least once a week.
6. When equipment inspection reveals the need for equipment repair or replacement, make the repairs or replace the equipment immediately.
7. Don’t just “hand out” equipment. “Issue and fit” equipment properly.
8. Equipment that is too small may not cover all of the body area it is designed to protect.
9. Equipment that is too large may shift during play to expose areas it is intended to protect.
10. Always follow the equipment manufacturers’ guidelines for sizing and fitting equipment.
11. Teach players to inform you when they have issues with their equipment. Take care of these issues immediately.
12. Only use cleaning agents that have been approved by the equipment manufacturer.
13. If you paint helmets, use a manufacturer’s approved paint.
14. Keep records of equipment purchases, inspections and repairs.
15. Keep an inventory of components and hardware readily available to make equipment repairs when needed.
16. Do not use broken or damaged equipment.
17. Teach players how to properly wear and use their equipment.
18. Teach players the proper techniques for blocking and tackling.
19. Use appropriate language when teaching blocking and tackling techniques.
20. Instruct your players to inform you when they have been injured.
21. Adopt a regular program of scheduled equipment replacement based on the size of your program.
22. Do not use accessories for equipment that have not been approved by the equipment manufacturer.
23. Fit every player every season.
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Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.