Helmet Requirements
(Derived from The Official Rules Football 2025-2026 Rule 14 – Required Equipment)
1. Applicability
These helmet requirements apply to all players in all divisions beginning with any practice session involving physical contact , and for all games where helmets are required.
2. Helmet Certification and Approval
1. Only helmets bearing the NOCSAE Seal of Certification are permitted.
2. All helmets must display the current NOCSAE-approved Warning Label :
The label must be clearly visible .
The label must be located on the outside of the helmet shell .
The label must be the standard warning label supplied by the helmet manufacturer or a certified reconditioned .
3. Helmet Age and Reconditioning
1. Programs shall follow the helmet manufacturer’s published guidelines for:
Inspection
Maintenance
Reconditioning
2. No helmet older than ten (10) years from the manufacturing date may be used, in accordance with current industry guidelines.
3. Helmets that do not meet manufacturer or reconditioning standards shall be removed from service immediately .Resources for Purchasing Your Own Football Helmet
This portion of the document is intended to assist parents and players who choose to purchase their own football helmet . All helmets used in practices and games must comply with Rule 14 – Required Equipment in the 2025-2026 Pop Warner Rule Book.
1. Helmet Manufacturers Commonly Used in Youth Football
The following manufacturers produce NOCSAE‑certified football helmets commonly used in youth and scholastic programs:
Riddell
Schutt Sports
VICIS
Xenith
Light Helmets
Parents are encouraged to purchase helmets directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers to help ensure proper certification, authenticity, and warranty coverage.
2. Virginia Tech Youth Football Helmet Ratings (Available Resource)
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab independently evaluates youth football helmets using its STAR
rating system , which assesses helmet performance related to concussion risk.
Helmets are rated from 1 to 5 stars
4‑ and 5‑star helmets are recommended whenever possible
Ratings are based on laboratory testing using real youth football impact data
🔗 Virginia Tech Youth Helmet Ratings:
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/youth-football-helmet-ratings.html
⚠ These ratings are informational only . All helmets must still meet NOCSAE certification and
league equipment requirements to be eligible for use.3. Helmet Reconditioning & Recertification Resources
Helmets must be maintained and reconditioned in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. The following NOCSAE‑licensed / NAERA‑certified reconditioning services are available:
Riddell Reconditioning Services
https://www.riddell.com/reconditioning
Continental Athletic Supply
https://continentalathletic.com
Capitol Varsity Sports
https://www.capitolvarsity.com/
Helmets generally require reconditioning every 1–2 years and may not exceed the 10‑year maximum service life .
5. Helmet Manufacturer Representative Contacts (Optional Resources)
Families seeking additional assistance with helmet selection, sizing, fitting, or purchasing options may contact manufacturer representatives directly. These contacts are provided as a courtesy to families who choose to purchase their own helmet.
Riddell Sales Representative
Name: Brad Ross
Title: Sales Representative
Phone: 760‑703‑8213
Email: [email protected]
Light Helmets Representative
Name: Cesar Mendez
Title: Inside Sales – West & Central
Phone: (760) 621‑0393
Website: https://lighthelmets.com