Helmet And Concussion Research Experts Available For Interviews

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is dedicated to improving athletic equipment and decreasing injuries in sports. As the Fall sports season begins, the conversation surrounding helmets and concussion prevention increases. To help anyone pursuing a story on helmets, standards, testing or concussions, many of the experts from NOCSAE are available for interviews.

Experts:

Mike Oliver, executive director of NOCSAE

Dr. Robert Cantu, a Boston University neurologist, a leading sports concussion expert and chairman of NOCSAE's Scientific Advisory Committee

Dave Halstead, technical director of Southern Impact Research Center (SIRC) and technical advisor for NOCSAE

Topics for Discussions Include:

• NOCSAE Helmet Standards, Including New Proposed Tests for Concussion-Causing Forces
• Current Concussion Research
• Historical Concussion Statistics Across Sports
• Context for STAR Ratings for Helmets

For concussion prevention to be truly effective, there are three main areas of importance: rules and style of play, appropriate return to play timing, and helmet and fit. According to the Centers for Disease Control Foundation Heads Up to Parents program, ensuring young athletes are taught proper tackling and play techniques and the rules are enforced, making sure helmets are in proper condition and fit properly, and requiring athletes to follow medically supervised return to play programs are important ways to reduce concussion risk.

About NOCSAE
NOCSAE, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, is an independent and nonprofit standard-setting body with the sole mission to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for protective equipment. Formed in 1969, NOCSAE is a leading force in the effort to improve athletic equipment and, as a result, reduce injuries. NOCSAE efforts include the development of performance and test standards for football helmets, gloves and facemasks, baseball and softball batter's and catcher's helmets, baseballs and softballs, ice hockey helmets, soccer shin guards, lacrosse helmets and facemasks and polo helmets. NOCSAE is comprised of a board of directors representing stakeholders from a number of groups – including consumer and end users, equipment manufacturers and reconditioners, athletic trainers, coaches, equipment managers, and academic and sports medicine associations. These diverse interests have joined forces in an attempt to arrive at a common goal of reducing sports-related injuries. NOCSAE is a nonprofit, charitable organization supported by individuals and organizations with an interest in athletics. For more information, please visit www.nocsae.org.

SOURCE National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)