Rugby Headguards and Shoulder pads - What you should Know !!

First thing I would point out here is that Shoulder pads and head guards do not make you invincible , they are protective equipment and should be used as such

 

 

For both Shoulder pads and head guards they should be fitted tightly. If they fit only loose they will be ineffective in protecting the wearer and may actually hinder your performance on the field of play.

 

Head guards are good at reducing the risk of the dreaded Cauliflower Ear – damage to the cartilage tissue of the external ear. They do not however prevent the chances of being concussed – Look at the manufacturers information on this and they cover themselves by saying that “head guards aid in preventing cuts and grazes only “

However with regards to preventing concussion, it may well be that something is better than nothing.

 

With regard to fitting this type of gear , it is recommended that before wearing a head guard in a game it should be fitted by wearing it in a shower or bath for about 15 -20 minutes   . By doing this the foam in the helmet is moulded to the shape of your head . Take it off and let it dry at room temperature .

 

No such preliminaries are required for shoulder pads , you can buy these and wear them right away .

 

After a game it is advisable that you wash both the head guard and shoulder pads in warm soapy water, however don’t them do what a lot of players do and put them into a tumble dryer . I would strongly advise you DON’T tumble dry these items . , they will disintegrate very quickly .Think what happens when you heat up any sort of foam/polystyrene. Unless the manufacturers specifically state it , don’t tumble dry your headguard or shoulder pads