In Overland Park, Kansas, employees within an office building contribute to the safety standards implemented in every Super Bowl game.
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) establishes guidelines for athletic gear functionality and testing procedures. These standards are then verified by a third-party entity, the Safety Equipment Institute, ensuring that products such as football helmets and lacrosse balls comply with NOCSAE’s regulations.
According to NOCSAE Executive Director Mike Oliver, adhering to these standards undoubtedly enhances the safety of sports. He anticipates that Super Bowl LVIII will be significantly safer than the inaugural Super Bowl, attributing this improvement to the continuous evolution of NOCSAE standards over the past five decades, alongside new regulations, reduced full-contact practices, and the presence of independent neurologists on NFL sidelines for prompt concussion diagnoses.
While Oliver enjoys watching NFL games as a fan, incidents like Patrick Mahomes’ helmet crack during the AFC Wildcard Playoff game prompt him to don his NOCSAE hat. Recently, he received updates from Biocore, the entity testing Mahomes’ helmet, indicating that NOCSAE might update helmet standards based on the research findings. Currently, all NFL helmets must meet NOCSAE regulations. Oliver closely monitors impactful collisions where no injuries occur, aiming to ensure consistent helmet performance under varying circumstances.
NOCSAE is collaborating with the NFL to develop safety standards for shoulder pads, potentially adding another layer of protection to Super Bowl LIX, thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit organization based in Overland Park.
