The National Federation of High Schools announces new rule interpretation approving the use of performance headguards, now making them legal on every field in America
San Diego, CA – The National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS), which is the official body that governs high school sports rules interpretations, announced its approval of the use of head protection in soccer, deeming the Full90 Performance Headguard legal for use in high schools around the country.
This is a significant announcement because for the first time in soccer history, the three American governing bodies (USSF, NFHS, NCAA) have come forward to issue regulations permitting head protection in the sport. Until now, field soccer players were not allowed to wear any type of head protection in high school games. With the approval by the National Federation of High Schools, everyone has agreed that a soft padded headband is not dangerous, and, in fact, may reduce the severity or incidence of many soccer head injuries.
“We are thrilled to say that our product, the Full90 Performance Headguard, is now legal on every field in America,” said Jeff Skeen, President and CEO of Full90. “Because my own daughter suffered concussions that ended her playing career, I know first hand the need for protection in soccer and I applaud the decision of the NFHS to make the sport safer for children.”
The team at Full90 Sports has led the effort to change the soccer rules after seeing many children suffer concussions on the field and most recently have been joined by some of the most well known athletes in the sport. Superstars like Joy Fawcett of the US National Team, Daniela of the Brazilian National Team, Christine Latham of the Canadian National Team, Allie Sullivan, Kim Pickup, Jaime Pagliarulo, and Jenni Branam of the San Diego Spirit have all come forward and voiced their opinions on the need for head protection on behalf of Full90.
"It's hard for me to contain my happiness," Skeen said. "This is a monumental day in the history of soccer. In five years, it will be common to see people wearing soccer head protection. It's a great thing, not just for Full90 Sports but for the players; this has everything to do with reducing concussions and letting kids play the game more safely.''
The Governing Bodies of Soccer
There are three soccer rules making bodies in the United States: The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) governs youth and professional soccer, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college games and the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) governs high school play. The USSF issued a memo on March 7, 2003 providing concrete advice to referees regarding allowing the use of safety equipment such as the Full90 Performance Headguard. The NCAA recently followed the USSF's lead, and now, with yesterday’s announcement, the NFHS has issued a rule interpretation that allows for head protection such as the Full90 Performance Headguard.
About Full90 Sports, Inc.
Full90 Sports, Inc. develops state-of-the-art protective soccer equipment specifically designed to allow athletes of all ages to perform at their full capacity. Full90 Sports pioneered a new product category with their flagship product, the F90 Performance Headguard™. The headguards provide players a heightened level of protection by significantly reducing the impact force associated with hard surface contact, without affecting style of play or "ball feel". Full90 headguards are designed using Performance Protection Technology™, a development process which combines applied physics, engineering and design with a deep appreciation for the heart and soul of an athlete, as well as an absolute respect for the game they play. More information is available at www.full90.com.
Press Contact
Honey Mae P. Kenworthy
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