Given the encouraging data from the Virginia Tech Helmet Testing Laboratory, SAFR compared concussions in high school football players in a large metropolitan city school system with and without the use of a SAFR Helmet Cover. This comprehensive data was compiled on all concussions in the region’s 18 public high schools for the 2023 and 2024 football seasons.
In 2023, there were 81 major concussions in their school system without helmet covers. Through the generosity of SAFR and individual donors, SAFR Helmet Covers were provided to all the school systems teams free of charge. While all these schools were provided SAFR Helmet Covers, only 5 schools chose to use them in both practice and games. For a variety of reasons, the other 13 schools were unable to use them, but formed comparison group of players protected with a standard helmet, but without a helmet cover. This allowed a direct comparison of the number of concussions in 5 high schools who used the SAFR Helmet Covers with the13 teams without.
2023: 50 2024: 67
2023: 31 2024: 16
WHITEPAPER
Written by: Craig A. Van Der Veer, MS, MD, FAANS and Thomas Keith Fehring MD, FAAOS
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WARNING:
No helmet, helmet accessory or the SAFR Helmet Cover can prevent all head or neck injuries to a player. Do not use the SAFR Helmet Cover to spear an opposing player. This violates football rules and can result in severe head or neck injuries, paralysis or death to you and your opponent. Immediately report any dizziness, headaches, blurred vision or nausea to your coach, trainer, medical professional and parent. Do not return to play until you gain medical clearance from a qualified medical professional. Ignoring these warnings can result in more serious brain injury and could lead to lifetime impairment. The results of certain independent scientific test indicate that the SAFR Helmet Cover, when properly installed, worn and used as intended and in accordance with product instructions, had the potential to reduce the likelihood of head trauma to the wearing player. Football, however, is a contact sport and no device, including SAFR Helmet Cover, can completely eliminate the risk of concussion or other head or neck injuries. By using and wearing a SAFR Helmet Cover, the player is assuming all the risks of injury inherent with playing football. Ignoring this warning may lead to another more serious or fatal brain injury. We are not liable for any injury that may happen during the use of the SAFR Helmet Cover which must be used along with a properly fit and maintained football helmet. The SAFR Helmet Cover is not intended for any other use other than with a fit and maintained football helmet and is not intended to be used when riding a bicycle, motorcycle or in any other activity.
