Protective Devices, Regulations, and the Law

1. Chapter 7 Protective Devices, Regulations, and the Law

2. Overview Equipment used for energy absorption & force dissipation Regulating agencies Reconditioning and maintenance of athletic headgear Development of sport safety rules Legal concerns about equipment use in sport Product and manufacturer liability Types of protective equipment

3. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Protective splints Goal: protect, stabilize, or immobilize the injured area; limit motion occurring in the area, and dissipate forces away from the site of injury Follow basic principle of immobilizing above and below site of injury Understand anatomy: soft-tissue injuries, testing muscles to determine underlying pathology, normal joint mechanics

4. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Material properties Density Refers to the weight of the material in relation to the volume or amount that will be used Evaluating bulk and weight versus amount of protection For splinting, choose material that has as low a density as possible while still performing the protective function needed Strength Refers to the maximum external stress or load that a material can withstand Evaluate the person's activities and activity level to decide what strength is necessary

5. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Material properties (cont.) Rigidity or stiffness Refers to the amount of bending or compression that occurs in response to a measured amount of applied stress Modulus of elasticity: high is stiffer; low is more flexible and more shock-absorbing Both type of material and thickness of material affect rigidity

6. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Material properties (cont.) Self-adherence Refers to the strength with which the material bonds to itself (uncoupling or separating is obviously undesirable) Velcro often used to ensure self-adherence Braces or splints with internal padding glued inside often have poor adherence

7. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Material properties (cont.) Durability Refers to the material's ability to withstand repeated stress during the sport activity (will last longer if more durable) Evaluating cost versus long-term durability

8. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Material properties (cont.) Ease of fabrication Refers to the time, equipment, and skill needed to shape the material into a form suitable for both protection and comfort Need for heat source Need for specialized skills Availability and cost These two factors pose the greatest limitations to many athletic programs Must work within those limitations and withhold athlete from participation if the necessary protection is not available

9. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation Classification of materials No-heat (layered) materials Low-heat products Moderate-temperature materials High-temperature materials

10. Equipment Used for Energy Absorption & Force Dissipation The art of fabricating splints and braces Pre-made products Shock-absorbing insoles Sleeves and braces

11. Regulating Agencies Role of regulating agencies Prevent companies from producing inexpensive equipment that will not stand up to the stress of athletic competition Reconditioning also a concern

12. Regulating Agencies International Organization for Standardization American National Standards Institute

13. Regulating Agencies Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) NOCSAE