All players are required to wear soft-shell protective headgear or headbands during GHSA-sanctioned flag football competition. Any such equipment must meet the following minimum standards:
Safety Performance Standard
All headgear must:
-
Be independently tested and verified by a recognized third-party laboratory; and
-
Achieve a 5-Star Safety Rating as determined by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab.
Product Liability Insurance Requirement
All manufacturers of approved headgear must:
-
Carry a minimum of $12,000,000 USD in active product liability insurance coverage; and
-
Provide proof of such coverage upon request to GHSA.
Commercial Availability & Accessibility
Approved headgear must:
-
Be readily available for purchase at scale; and
-
Be distributed through multiple recognized retail or team sales channels to ensure equitable access for all member schools.
Non-Proprietary Language
-
No specific brand name, trademark, or proprietary product shall be referenced or mandated within GHSA rules.
-
All approved equipment shall be referred to generically as "soft-shell headgear" or "protective headband."
Coverage & Fit
All headgear must:
-
Provide full circumferential coverage of the head, including the forehead, temples, and occipital region; and
-
Be properly fitted and secured according to manufacturer specifications.
Your cooperation in adhering to these standards is essential in maintaining a safe and equitable playing environment for all participants. Please ensure that your coaching staff, athletes, and equipment managers are informed and compliant with these requirements.
