NOCSAE

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is a nonprofit standards organization in the United States that develops and maintains performance standards for protective athletic equipment. Its mandate is to reduce sports-related injuries by ensuring that equipment meets tested safety requirements. NOCSAE standards cover a range of protective gear, with a focus on helmets for football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and hockey, as well as other protective equipment such as face guards and shoulder pads.

NOCSAE was established in 1969 by representatives from the sports equipment industry, medical professionals, and safety advocates to create uniform safety standards. The organization developed a certification program to verify compliance with its performance standards, rather than relying on market availability alone. Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect advances in science and technology.

The standards specify performance criteria and test methods for equipment. Manufacturers may submit products to independent, third-party laboratories for testing. When a product meets the standard, it may bear the NOCSAE certification mark. Certification may require ongoing surveillance or re-testing as standards are revised or new equipment is introduced.

The NOCSAE certification label indicates compliance with its standards, but it is not a warranty against all injuries or product failure. In many sports and leagues, using NOCSAE-certified equipment is mandatory or strongly encouraged to promote safety. The organization operates through a board of directors and collaborates with testing laboratories, manufacturers, medical professionals, and sports governing bodies to advance protective equipment standards and safety practices.