Due to the increased speed, difficulty and level of competition that now exists at IDF events, we believe that it is the best interest of the sport to begin to enforce certain requirements for safety equipment. As many of you will agree, we must start with helmets.
An increasingly large number of riders are now using uncertified helmets made by a wide variety of manufacturers. Because these helmets have not been scientifically tested and proven to reduce the severity of head impacts, many of them contain less than satisfactory protection.
The following is a brief overview of the types of helmets that will be considered acceptable for competition in IDF events in 2015 forward.
1. Any full face helmet that carries a certification from ATSM, CE, CPSC, SNELL, or another credible certification source. Flight, Bicycle, Skateboard, etc. If it is certified, it has been tested and inspected by professionals who have deemed it to be protective and well assembled.
2. A production helmet that contains EPS foam. EPS (Expanded Poly Styrene) foam is the most commonly used material for brain saving force deceleration. Nearly all certified helmets from skateboard to race car use it and it has been widely shown to save lives on a daily basis. It is what we want to see on everyone's head.
If the helmet you wish to use is not certified, but is made by a name-brand manufacturer, the manufacturer should have provided us with documentation of the EPS foam, as well as the method of chin strap mounting. If they meet our standard, the manufacturer and approved models will be added to the "Approved" list. If that is not the case, tell your favorite manufacturer to do so.
3. A non production helmet that contains EPS foam. If you want to use a non-production helmet such as a home-made or prototype version, you must obtain specific approval from the IDF board. You must send us pictures documenting the construction, presence of EPS foam, and mounting of the chin strap in accordance with the guidelines for individual helmet approval.
If the board finds your helmet to be satisfactory, we will send you an e-mail containing specific approval for that helmet. You may then carry a copy of our letter of approval to any IDF events in which you plan to use the helmet. If a steward asks about the status of your helmet, you may produce the documentation and you will be allowed to compete with it.
We have chosen to stand behind EPS as the most used and proven tool for preventing brain injuries. If a manufacturer believes that their helmets are protective enough without EPS, and wish to be eligible for use in IDF events, they may attempt to be awarded a credible certification.
TL;DR
In 2015, you will need either a certified helmet, or at least one with an approved EPS liner. If you truly believe that the helmet you want to wear that does not meet the criteria is safe enough for use in competition, ask the manufacturer to pursue certification.
We have set the bar extremely low. Even an Icaro helmet with the absolute minimum of EPS foam carries a flight level certification. If it's not at LEAST as safe as an Icaro, it probably does not belong on a world cup track.
There are currently a few helmet companies using EPU (expanded polyurethane) foam. It has yet to be tested and proven to be as protective as needed. Until a convincing number of EPU helmets have been tested and certified, we will stick with the EPS guidelines. Stay tuned for more info on gaining approval for a non production or non certified helmet.
For more info on Helmets and Certification standards, check out www.skatesafe.org.
If you would like to submit your non production or non certified EPS lined helmet for approval for use in IDF events, please send a few clear photos of the EPS foam and the point where the chin strap attaches to the shell to info@internationaldownhillfederation.org.
