I enjoy writing these articles for my readers, you guys. I don't accept payment for writing reviews, my opinion on products is my own, but if you find my recommendations helpful and you end up buying something through one of the links I may be able to receive a commission on that. More information
Helmets are there for several reasons. For example, cyclists wear a helmet to protect their head in the event of a fall, while Football players wear it to protect their head in the event of an ON fall.
In sports such as cycling, skating, mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, cricket, football, bobsleigh, racing, ice hockey and skating, wearing a helmet is the norm to protect the head from hard impacts.
In this article I will tell you everything about head protection in different sports and why it is so important to wear a helmet.
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 Head protection in sports: why wearing a helmet can be vital
- 2 Why wearing a helmet is almost always safer
- 3 The acceptance of helmet use in different sports
- 4 Tips for wearing a helmet during risky activities
- 5 Sports where the use of a helmet is essential for safety
- 6 6 tips for using and maintaining your helmet
- 7 Conclusion
Head protection in sports: why wearing a helmet can be vital
Some sports require wearing a helmet
Wearing a helmet is mandatory in some sports. This applies, for example, to road cycling, mountain biking, snowboarding, skateboarding, horse riding, hockey, cricket and football. But wearing a helmet is also essential for the safety of the athletes in bobsleigh, racing sports, ice hockey and skating.
Why is wearing a helmet important?
Wearing a helmet can save lives. In the event of a fall or collision, a helmet can protect the head against serious injury. It is important to think about the safety of yourself and others, and that includes wearing a helmet.
Many examples of sports where a helmet is used
Below is a list of sports where wearing a helmet is recommended or required:
- Cycling on the road
- Mountain biking
- Snowboarding
- Skateboarding
- Riding
- Hockey
- Cricket
- Football
- Bobsleigh
- racing
- Ice hockey
- Ice skating
- Winter sports in general
More and more athletes take wearing a helmet for granted
Wearing a helmet is increasingly accepted in the sports world. Many athletes take it for granted to wear a helmet while practicing their sport. It is important to realize that wearing a helmet not only increases your own safety, but also that of others around you.
Why wearing a helmet is almost always safer
Helmets in different sports
The use of a helmet is not only important for alpinists climbing and descending on steep trails. Skiers, cyclists and construction workers also put on a helmet every day to protect themselves against possible accidents. Helmets on city bikes are not yet mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is acceptable and a lot safer to wear one.
Unwise to go without a helmet
It is unwise to go without a helmet as wearing a helmet can prevent you from getting a brain injury. In reality, wearing a helmet is in most cases safer than without a helmet. It is therefore not surprising that most people in the Anglo-Saxon world wear a helmet when cycling or skiing.
Extra protection for employees
In the construction industry, wearing a helmet is mandatory to provide extra protection for workers against possible accidents on the construction site. The same applies to cyclists who wear a helmet during a training ride to protect themselves against possible falls. The accident figures show that no less than 70 percent of brain damage occurs after a fall while cycling.
The right helmet size
It is important to have the right helmet size, because a helmet that is too small or too large will not provide the right protection. To determine the correct size, you can put a measuring tape around the piece above your ears, back of your head and back to your forehead. The right size gives the helmet the right fit and offers optimal protection.
The acceptance of helmet use in different sports
The perception of helmets in the past
In the past, athletes who wore a helmet were often laughed at and seen as a coward or dimwit. Wearing a helmet was unfashionable and was seen as ugly or ridiculous. This has contributed to the low adoption of helmet use in various sports.
The increased acceptance of helmets
The perception of helmets has now changed and we see that almost every mountain biker, racing cyclist and winter sports enthusiast wears a helmet. This is because the importance of head protection is increasingly recognized and risk awareness among athletes has increased. In addition, modern helmets have a lightweight and fashionable design, which makes wearing them less ridiculous.
The crucial factor of safety
The most important argument for wearing a helmet is of course safety. In many sports, speed plays a major role and can be an uncontrollable factor. In such a situation, a helmet can make the difference between a serious blow to the head and a safe landing. Wearing a helmet is therefore wise and even professional athletes wear helmets these days.
Tips for wearing a helmet during risky activities
Always weigh up
When practicing risky activities such as climbing, mountain biking or motorcycling, wearing a helmet is often a requirement. Always weigh the risks against the safety. If you are in doubt about the quality of your helmet or the severity of the activity, always wear a helmet.
Make an assessment of the risk
Some activities, such as climbing or mountain hiking, have a higher risk of falling or uncontrolled movements than other activities. Always make an assessment of the risk and adjust your behavior accordingly. For example, by choosing a different route or by being extra careful with high or large steps.
Always wear a helmet while riding
Whether you ride recreationally or participate in competitions or training rides, always wear a helmet while riding. Even experienced riders can sustain serious head injuries in a fall. The chance of stone chips while driving is also high, so wearing a helmet is always safer.
Pay attention to the quality of the helmet
There are many questionable helmets on the market that do not meet safety standards. Therefore, always pay attention to the quality of the helmet and buy it from a reliable supplier. Also check regularly whether the helmet is still in good condition and replace it if necessary.
Get a good fit
A helmet that does not fit properly does not provide optimal protection. Therefore, always ensure a good fit and adjust the helmet to your head. Also pay attention to the hook distances and do not wear the helmet too short on your head.
Always wear a helmet, even alone
Wearing a helmet is also important if you go out alone. An accident is in a small corner and can have serious consequences. Therefore always wear a helmet, even if you go out alone.
Check regularly for damage
A helmet can be damaged during a fall or through normal use. Therefore, check regularly for damage and replace the helmet if necessary. A damaged helmet no longer offers optimal protection.
Don't take unnecessary risks
Wearing a helmet can prevent serious head injuries, but don't take any unnecessary risks. Adapt your behavior to the environment and the activity and always be careful. A helmet offers protection, but prevention is always better than cure.
Listen to experienced people
If you are unsure about wearing a helmet or the safety of an activity, seek advice from experienced people. They often have more knowledge and experience and can help you make the right decision. For example, when determining the right size or choosing the right helmet for a specific activity.
Sports where the use of a helmet is essential for safety
Road cycling and mountain biking
Wearing a helmet is mandatory in cycling. This applies to both professional and amateur cyclists. Wearing a helmet is also very important when mountain biking. Due to the many obstacles and unexpected situations, the risk of a fall is high. A helmet can save lives here.
Snowboarding and skateboarding
Wearing a helmet has become the norm in snowboarding and skateboarding. Especially when snowboarding, where high speeds are reached and the risk of a fall is high, wearing a helmet is essential. Also in skateboarding, where tricks are performed and the chance of a fall is high, wearing a helmet is increasingly being encouraged.
Riding
Wearing a helmet is very important when riding a horse. A fall from a horse can have serious consequences and a helmet can save lives. Wearing a helmet is therefore mandatory at competitions and more and more riders also wear a helmet during training.
Hockey, cricket and football
In contact sports such as hockey, cricket and Football wearing a helmet is mandatory. This applies to both professional and amateur athletes. A helmet not only protects the head, but also the face.
Bobsleigh and racing
Wearing a helmet is very important in bobsleigh and racing sports. Due to the high speeds and the many risks, wearing a helmet is mandatory. A helmet can save lives here.
Ice hockey, winter sports, skiing and ice skating
Wearing a helmet has increasingly become the norm in ice hockey, winter sports, skiing and skating. Due to the high speeds and the many obstacles, the risk of a fall is high. A helmet can save lives here.
Keep in mind that wearing a helmet is not mandatory in some sports, but is strongly recommended. However, the number of athletes wearing helmets is increasing. In this way lives are saved and athletes can safely practice their sport.
6 tips for using and maintaining your helmet
Tip 1: Buy a good helmet that fits well
A helmet is intended to protect your head in the event of a serious blow. That is why it is important to buy a helmet that fits well and is of good quality. Make sure that the helmet is not too big or too small and that the visor works properly. Preferably buy a helmet made of shock-absorbing plastic, because it works better in the event of a blow and is therefore less likely to break. An old helmet does not last forever, so replace it in time.
Tip 2: Check regularly for signs of wear
Regularly check your helmet for hairline cracks, dented areas or missing pads. Clean the helmet with a damp cloth to prevent it from breaking. Also check that the helmet is still intact and that all fasteners are still working properly.
Tip 3: Use your helmet correctly
Make sure your helmet fits snugly on your head and doesn't move around during exercise. The helmet should have enough room around your head, but should not be too loose. A light helmet is more comfortable to wear than a heavy helmet, but it offers less protection. Make sure the liner is tight and adjust the helmet using the dial.
Tip 4: Use extra attributes
Some helmets have extra attributes, such as a visor or a light. These attributes can make using your helmet even safer. Make sure that these attributes are properly attached and cannot open during exercise.
Tip 5: Always observe the usage tips and buying tips
Read the package leaflet of your helmet carefully and observe the usage tips and buying tips. Regardless of the brand or price of your helmet, it is important to use and maintain it properly. If you are unsure about the size or model of your helmet, go to a specialist shop with an extensive range and expert staff. Make sure that the helmet meets the standard for the sport you practice and that it has been extensively tested for optimal protection.
Conclusion
Helmets are essential for your safety and they can save your life as you have read.
So they are definitely important and even if you don't always do dangerous things, remember to wear a helmet when you exercise.
