Cricket is an exciting sport that brings plenty of thrills every time your child scores. But, just like any other sport, there’s always a risk of injury. If your child plays cricket, it’s important to be mindful of the protective gear you buy as it serves as their first line of defence against injuries. The face is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body and as such, it needs to be protected at all times because when bats and balls are involved, the risk of injury is significantly higher.
Choose a junior cricket helmet that fits the property and is designed for your child’s age. This ensures that your kid is well-protected while chasing the thrills of scoring a run.
How Can a Helmet Protect Junior Players From Injuries
It’s only natural to assume that any sport that involves bats and balls comes with a higher risk of injury. Imagine a ball hitting you at full speed directly to the face. Not only is it painful, but it can cause serious damage, especially around the eye area. So, the helmet is there to prevent this from happening. Thanks to the bears, it prevents the ball or bat from getting through.
Thanks to the face guard and padding, the helmet absorbs the shock of the impact and spreads out the force from the hit. It reduces the risk of concussions and facial injuries.
How to Find a Good Junior Cricket Helmet: What to Consider
What age is junior cricket? In Australia, the specific age groups are regulated by Cricket Australia. According to the guidelines, junior cricket includes age groups between 9 and 17 years. Age rules exist to ensure safety and fairness in the game, particularly in regard to essential equipment and gear.
Compliance With Safety Standards
So, how can you tell if a helmet truly delivers on its promises? The first thing you need to do is check if it complies with the British Standard BS7928:2013, which is a widely recognised and accepted safety standard in cricket. This certification ensures that the helmet has been thoroughly tested to meet the strict safety requirements in cricket.
So, what does it mean if a helmet is labelled with this standard? It means that the helmet has passed rigorous testing which proves it to be strong, durable and effective. It indicates that offers maximum protection and this safety certification is the clearest sign of a trustworthy helmet.
So, every time you shop online for junior cricket helmets, always look for safety certificates. It gives both you and the coaches peace of mind knowing that the child is well-protected.
Design
The next thing to look for is the helmet’s design. A good helmet should have a tough outer shell, a sturdy face guard and a secure chin strap. The face guard is typically made from stainless steel which is carefully positioned to protect the face without obstructing the vision. The player can still see clearly through the bars.
An ideal helmet is also lightweight, built with soft foam liners at the front and back that contour to the head. Additionally, the inner padding should provide enough comfort and fit snugly so the helmet stays in place while running.
Material
The material of the helmet determines how strong it is and how comfortable it is. Most helmets are made from high-impact polycarbonate fibreglass, which can withstand powerful hits without cracking.
The face guard, or bars, is typically made from sturdy metals like stainless steel or titanium. This is to ensure maximum protection against speeding balls.
Inside the helmet, the padding should be made from breathable, impact-resistant foam. This material not only absorbs shock well but also feels comfortable against the head. It makes it easy to wear the helmet during long and intense matches and not be bothered by it.
Adjustable Fit
Look for helmets with adjustable straps, headbands or ratchet systems so players can adjust the fit to their head size and shape. A snug fit will keep the helmet from slipping or moving while playing and ensure that it stays in place.
Helmets come in different sizes so it’s easy to find one that fits your child’s age. Just make sure the helmet is not too loose as it won’t provide enough protection.
Ventilation
Australia’s hot climate is no joke. That’s why is important to choose helmets with air vents to allow airflow and prevent overheating. This added comfort makes a huge difference during long matches. Your kid can focus on the game instead of struggling with the discomfort that comes with sweat and overheating.