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PALMYRA, PENNSYLVANIA (October 2, 2025) – The National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) distributed its annual recommendations for reconditioning and recertification of football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets and also announced that Riddell had departed from NAERA as of September 30, 2025.
“This decision has been met with both surprise and disappointment,” the NAERA announcement said. “However, we assure you that this departure will not disrupt the ongoing positive progress and the collaborative spirit that has defined NAERA. The organization remains committed to the values of information sharing, parts availability and open markets that have united all our members.”
NAERA, NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) and helmet manufacturers are informing you of reconditioning and recertification recommendations for football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets.
Annual Recommendations
NAERA recommends that during every football, lacrosse, baseball and softball season or practice period, every helmet should be cleaned and inspected regularly by a school or organization staff member with knowledge of manufacturer recommendations. We further recommend every helmet should be reconditioned and recertified annually unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. ONLY a company licensed by NOCSAE can perform the recertification of football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets. For a list of NAERA members that are licensed by NOCSAE please visit our website at www.naera.net. More information regarding NOCSAE and its standards can be found at www.nocsae.org.
Reconditioning/Recertification and Sanitization
NAERA recommends every football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmet be reconditioned and recertified prior to being issued to all athletes, unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. NAERA further recommends that nonrecertifiable equipment, including but not limited to, football and lacrosse shoulder pads, chest protectors and shin guards be sanitized in accordance to manufacturer guidelines.
On January 1, 2017, NOCSAE put into effect standard ND 001 6.1.1 shown below.
ND 001 6.1.1 Helmets intended to be recertified shall have a recertification interval provided by the manufacturer. Certification life is limited to this time period. Helmets not recertified during the stated interval shall no longer be certified. Recertification interval required for warranty validation shall satisfy this requirement.
What does ND 001 6.11 mean for your school or organization?
For Football helmets, as of this writing, the requirements from all football helmet manufacturers for recertification is a minimum of every other year. If you acquired new helmets in 2024 these helmets will need recertification per this standard for 2026 play.
Helmets that have a lapsed certification per NOCSAE DOC.001 may be recertified under most conditions. Always ask your NAERA representative if you have doubts. Remember when your team captain or coach tells the official your team is legally equipped, you need to know that is correct and factual.
Every state association playing under NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rules has adopted the NOCSAE standards for football, lacrosse, baseball and softball helmets. Other state associations may have similar rules; however, most support the helmet manufacturers recommendations.
NAERA encourages schools and organizations to send your equipment for reconditioning and recertification as soon as your season is complete. Please make certain you are using a reconditioning company licensed by NOCSAE. For a list of NOCSAE-licensed NAERA athletic equipment reconditioners visit www.naera.net.
Sincerely
Tony Beam, B.A., E.S., CAA
NAERA Executive Director
Read the original copy of the letter here
Riddell Departs NAERA
We regret to inform you that one of our members, Riddell, will be departing from our organization on September 30, 2025. This decision has been met with both surprise and disappointment. However, we assure you that this departure will not disrupt the ongoing positive progress and the collaborative spirit that has defined NAERA. The organization remans committed to the values of information sharing, parts availability and open markets that have united all our members.
The Capabilities of NAERA Members in Equipment Reconditioning and Recertification
Assuring Quality, Safety and Reliability
When it comes to maintenance, longevity and safety of your athletic equipment, choosing a trusted source for reconditioning and recertification is paramount. All members of NAERA are fully equipped and NOCSAE licensed to recondition and recertify your equipment to the highest industry standards.
Expertise and Accreditation
NAERA members are comprised of recognized professionals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in the field of athletic equipment reconditioning. Each member adheres to strict guidelines and protocols to ensure that every item reconditioned meets or exceeds all applicable safety requirements. Additionally, as a NOCSAE licensee, they are authorized to recertify any equipment eligible for recertification.
Comprehensive Services
Reconditioning
NAERA members employ advanced techniques and industry-best practices to thoroughly clean, inspect, repair and recertify equipment but also upholds the standards of safety required for athletic use. This process not only prolongs the lifespan of your equipment but also upholds the standards of safety required for athletic use.
Recertification
Along with reconditioning, equipment undergoes rigorous testing and inspection to verify that it meets all relevant safety standards. NAERA members have the expertise and are licensed from NOCSAE to affix recertification labels, signifying that the equipment is ready for safe use once again.
Commitment to Safety
Safety is at the heart of every NAERA member’s operation. By entrusting your equipment to NAERA members, schools, teams and organizations can rest assured that their gear is maintained according to the latest standards and best practices. This commitment helps protect athletes and promotes fairness and integrity in all levels of competition.
Industry Leadership and Innovation
NAERA members remain at the forefront of technological advancements in equipment maintenance. Members participate in ongoing education and collaborate to ensure that their processes, tools and methods reflect the latest innovations in the industry. This dedication to progress allows NAERA members to deliver consistent, high-quality service for a wide range of athletic equipment.
Customer Assurance
Whether you are responsible for outfitting a large sports program or an individual athlete, choosing a NAERA member ensures that your equipment will be handled by an expert who takes pride in their work.
In summary, all NAERA members are fully functional, NOCSAE licensed and prepared to recondition and recertify your equipment, giving you peace of mind and confidence in every game and practice. For the ongoing safety and performance of your athletic gear, NAERA members are your trusted partners.
Read the original copy of the letter here
NAERA and Riddell are NSGA members. John Riddell is a member of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame.
Topics
Tony Beam Riddell Reconditioning NAERA NOCSAE Helmets Football Lacrosse NFHS Softball NCAA Baseball