NAERA Guidance on Football Helmets Losing Warning Labels

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (September 20, 2024) – The National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) has issued guidance on schools and organizations that are experiencing warning labels separating from football helmets that were reconditioned in 2024. The problem has been occurring particularly when the labels get wet in games played in the rain.

To help clarify for schools and organizations experiencing warning labels separating from football helmets reconditioned in 2024:

The loss of a mandatory label that might occur after the helmet has been properly recertified and returned to the customer does not void the certification or recertification. Helmets with the warning label issues DO NOT need to be removed from play.

If during inspection of helmets in your inventory an exterior warning label is missing, you should determine if your helmets are current with manufacturer recommended intervals for recertification. If so, the helmets will still meet NOCSAE and manufacturer recertification guidelines for on-field play. Please reach out to your reconditioning representative for instructions to replace the missing label.

Click here to see a copy of the NAERA letter.