st : for coaches and Parents 1 Know the Facts • A that fits well and is in good condition can help protect a player from the most serious kinds of brain or head injuries. But, NO helmet or other form of head protection is concussion-proof Nine —that’s where Smarter Play comes in! th Inning: of rd Inning: 4 Get a Good Helmet Fit 3 Find the Right Helmet Size nd Inning: • The athlete should be present when buying a new Brain Safety 2 Support Smarter Play • The athlete’s head size should be measured by helmet to make sure it fits properly. If possible, wrapping a soft tape measure around the head, just have the athlete wear his or her hair as he or she in • Whether in the field or , athletes need to above the eyebrows and ears. The tape measure would while playing. Helmet fit can change if the know the importance of avoiding hits to the should be level from front to back. (If a soft tape athlete’s hairstyle changes. th Inning: head to help reduce their chances of getting measure is not available, string can be used and its • The athlete should be asked how the helmet feels 5 Check Helmet Coverage Baseball a concussion or other serious brain injury. length measured against a ruler.) when worn. Although the helmet should fit snugly, a helmet that is too tight can cause headaches. They should always wear the proper protective • Helmet sizes often vary from brand-to-brand, so • Batter’s helmet: equipment and, even in the , have their it’s important to check the helmet brand’s fit and • Batter’s helmet: • A batter’s helmet should not sit too high or strike h e eyes on the ball at all times. sizing charts to find out which helmet size is right • A batter’s helmet should fit snugly all around, low on his or her head. To check, make sure for the athlete’s head size. ••• •• ••• • If you think that an athlete has a concussion or with no spaces between the pads and the the ear holes line up with the athlete’s ears. other serious brain injury: athlete’s head. When the athlete is looking straight forward, inning 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 final 1. Remove the athlete from play right away. • ’s helmet: the bill of the batter’s helmet should be Guest 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 2. Make sure the athlete is evaluated by an •  use a special helmet, which usually parallel to the ground, and the bottom of the 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 physician or other licensed healthcare comes in either a one-piece style that looks pad inside the front of the helmet should be provider. Do not try to judge the seriousness like a hockey goalie mask or a two-piece style one inch above the athlete’s eyebrows. of the injury yourself. that includes a separate mask. Whichever style • Catcher’s helmet: 3. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians helmet is used, it should fit snugly all around, • Regardless of which style is used, a about the known or possible concussion and with no spaces between the pads and the catcher’s helmet should not sit too high or give them the Heads Up Baseball Fact Sheet athlete’s head. low on his or her head. To check, make sure for Parents on concussion. • Athletes should NOT wear anything under their the catcher’s mask rests flat on the front of 4. DO NOT allow the athlete to return to play batter’s or catcher’s helmet, unless recommended the catcher’s helmet. For the older, two- the day of the injury. An athlete should return by a physician. This includes a . piece style, you can tighten or loosen the to play only after a qualified and informed Wearing a cap under the helmet will likely prevent straps on the sides and top of the face mask medical provider says it’s ok. the helmet from fitting properly. to adjust how tightly they grip the helmet. for coaches and Parents

th Inning: 7 Care for the Helmet th Inning: th Inning: ce a 6 Ensure Good Vision • DO NOT allow the athlete to use a cracked or Safer Play is 9 When to Repla otherwise damaged helmet or a helmet that is • Make sure that you can see the athlete’s eyes missing any padding or parts. Check for missing or Smarter Play -- Batter’s or Catcher’s Helmet and that he or she can see straight forward and loose padding both before the start of the season side to side while wearing the helmet. and regularly during the season. Be sure to replace • Be sure to follow all instructions on the helmet’s bent face masks on a catcher’s or batter’s helmet. Be a Brain safety labels regarding replacement. Some batter’s or catcher’s have a label that • Regularly clean the helmet inside and out with says that the helmet should not be ‘reconditioned’; For more information, visit warm water and mild detergent. DO NOT soak any Safety MVP! th Inning: helmets with this label will also include how www.cdc.gov/concussion part of the helmet, or use strong cleaners. 8 Look For Labels long the helmet can be used. However, some of • DO NOT let anyone sit or lean on the helmet. these helmets may need to be replaced sooner, 1 National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment: www.nocsae.org • DO NOT store a catcher’s or batter’s helmet in • Look for a batter’s or catcher’s helmet with depending on how they are used. a hot location or car. Store the helmet in a room labels that: 2 National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association: • Reconditioning involves having a properly- www.naera.net/ where the helmet is away from direct sunlight. • Have the date of manufacture. This licensed company examine, recondition and • DO NOT decorate (paint or put stickers on) or information will be helpful in determining recertify helmets. Their services include alter the helmet without first checking with when the helmet should be replaced or in case repairing cracks or damage, replacing missing the helmet manufacturer, as this may affect the helmet is recalled. parts, testing the helmet for safety, and the safety of the helmet. This information may • Say NOCSAE1 certified. That label means that approving it for continued use. If you decide also be listed on the instruction label or on the the helmet has been tested for safety and to have your helmets reconditioned, choose a 2 manufacturer’s website. meets safety standards. licensed NAERA -member. 052013 Pub. 347