ASTM F2681-18(2023)

Standard Specification for Body Protectors Used in Equine Racing

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers minimum performance criteria and describes test methods for body protectors for use in equine racing in a controlled environment.
Note 1: It is recognized that it is not possible to write a body protector performance standard that will result in products that can protect against all types of injury or death in an accident.  
1.2 It is not the intention of this specification to bar from consideration materials of improved quality or performance not known at time of development of this specification.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2023
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.55 - Body Padding

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2681 − 18 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Body Protectors Used in Equine Racing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2681; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Equine racing is a sport with intrinsic hazards. It is recognized that serious injury or death can result
from both low-energy and high-energy impacts, even when body protectors are worn. It is also
recognized that body protection must be acceptable for the sport, the user, and to the regulating
associations or agencies requiring their use. This specification has been developed with an emphasis
on providing comfortable, nonrestrictive impact protection in a lower weight garment. Injuries will not
be prevented by protective padding in accidents involving severe torsion, flexion or crushing of the
body. Acknowledging these limitations, this specification was developed using resources in the
medical, scientific, engineering, human factors, and biomedical fields, as well as resources from
equine competitors and professional Standardbred drivers and Thoroughbred jockeys. This specifi-
cation draws from work done by others where appropriate for this specification, and these standards
may be referenced. It should be noted that this specification specifies a laboratory test of a completed
body protector’s ability to reduce impacts.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This specification covers minimum performance criteria
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and describes test methods for body protectors for use in
equine racing in a controlled environment.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—It is recognized that it is not possible to write a body protector 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
performance standard that will result in products that can protect against
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in
all types of injury or death in an accident.
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective
1.2 It is not the intention of this specification to bar from
Headgear
consideration materials of improved quality or performance not
2.2 BSI Standards:
known at time of development of this specification.
EN 13158:2000 Protective clothing – protective jackets,
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
body and shoulder protectors for horse riders – Require-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
ments and test methods
standard.
2.3 SAE Standards
SAE J211 Recommended Practice for Instrumentation for
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Impact Tests – Requirements for Channel Class 1000
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.1 In addition to terms defined in Test Methods F1446,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the following terms are specific to this specification.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Standardsvolume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of the ASTM website.
Subcommittee F08.55 on Body Padding. Available from British Standards Institute (BSI), 389 Chiswick High Rd.,
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally London W4 4AL, U.K., http://www.bsi-global.com.
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F2681 – 18. DOI: Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
10.1520/F2681-18R23. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2681 − 18 (2023)
FIG. 1 Dimensional Coverage Requirements
3.1.2 body protector, n—sleeveless garment covering de- These materials shall not undergo significant loss of strength,
fined areas of the torso and lower back and consisting of one or flexibility, or other physical change as a result of contact with
more layers of material and designed to reduce trauma from perspiration or body oil. Any material used in the construction
impacts and falls. of body protectors shall not be adversely affected by ordinary
household soap and water, mild household detergent, or
3.1.3 calibration impact surface, n—flat modular elastomer
cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.
programmer (MEP), as specified in Test Methods F1446.
4.1.3 Adhesive materials used to attach padding or straps to
3.1.4 equine racing, n—any event or activity on a flat dirt,
the body protector shall be of a formulation that will not alter
grass, or synthetic surface track that emphasizes the horse’s
the chemical or physical properties of the materials to an extent
and rider’s or driver’s ability to complete a designated distance
as to reduce their protective qualities.
or course in as short a time as possible (for example,
4.1.4 The manufacturer of the body protector shall provide
Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse racing).
written documentation to the testing laboratory indicating that
3.1.5 impact surface, n—flat anvil, as specified in the
the materials used in the body protector fulfill the requirements
Apparatus section of Test Methods F1446, used as the impact
of 4.1.1 – 4.1.3.
surface for the shock attenuation test (see 7.2).
4.2 Body Protector Assembly:
3.1.6 padding, n—any material or structure designed to
4.2.1 Any optional devices provided by the manufacturer of
absorb or distribute, or both, impact energy.
the body protector and fitted to the body protector shall be so
3.1.7 spherical impactor, n—spherical impactor, as specified
designed that they are unlikely to cause any injury to the
in Test Methods F1446, used for the impact attenuation system
wearer or other participants during contact. If the manufacturer
check (see 10.1) and impact test procedures (see 11.2).
provides optional devices then the body protector shall be
tested with the optional devices fitted to the body protector.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.2.2 Any unfaired projection extending more than 7 mm
4.1 Materials:
from the body protector outer surface shall break away or
4.1.1 All materials used in the fabrication of the body
collapse when impacted with forces equivalent to those pro-
protector shall be known as suitable for the intended applica-
duced by the impact tests described in 11.2 of this specifica-
tion. All padding materials used in the body protector shall not
tion. There shall be no fixture on the inner surface of the body
permanently distort during an exposure of at least 4 h to any
protector projecting more than 2 mm from the inner surface of
temperature in the range from -15 6 2 to 40 6 2°C, nor shall
the body protector toward the wearer’s body.
the material be significantly affected by exposure to ultraviolet
radiation, water, dirt, or vibration. 4.3 Extent and Form of Padding—The coverage of the body
4.1.2 Materials coming into contact with the wearer’s skin protector listed in Section 6 shall be capable of being evaluated
shall not be a type known to cause skin irritation or diseases. according to 11.2 and shall meet the impact requirements of
F2681 − 18 (2023)
FIG. 2 Armhole Circumference Measurement Device
Section 5. The extent of coverage shall include at least all of 6.3 Dimensioning—Body protectors shall have dimensions
the designated areas shown in Fig. 1. as shown in Fig. 1. Dimension A shall be the mid-value of the
range of the chest circumference, in centimetres, that the
NOTE 2—The body protector may have reduced padding thickness over
manufacturer states the body protector will fit. Dimension B
the shoulder, and it does not require padding in areas outside the test area
shall be reported in centimetres and defined by the following
defined in Fig. 1.
equation:
4.4 Attachments—The components of the fasteners for se-
B 5 20.011 A 12.66A 2 65.56 (1)
curing attachments to the body protector shall not reduce the ~ !
which represents the mathematically calculated anthropomet-
impact attenuation properties of the body protector.
ric mean for the waist to waist over the shoulder length for
chest sizes of 53 to 122 cm.
5. Performance Requirements
6.3.1 Four vertical reference lines, as defined in EN
5.1 General—Body protectors shall be capable of meeting
13158:2000, are to be used: C and C’ separated by 25 % of
the requirements in this specification throughout their full
Dimension A on the chest, and D and D’ separated by 25 % of
range of adjustment.
Dimension A on the back.
5.2 When tested in accordance with 11.1, the force to
6.3.2 The padding shall extend for more than 30 % of
separate any closures shall not be less than 50 N. This
Dimension B along the lines C and C’ (C in Fig. 1).
requirement shall be met at ambient temperature 21 6 3°C and
6.3.3 The padding shall extend for more than 45 % of
at a relative humidity of 50 6 15 %.
Dimension B along the lines D and D’ (D in Fig. 1).
5.3 The velocity of any test impact shall be 3.15 m/s 6 2 %.
6.3.4 The padding shall extend for a length greater than 25
The peak acceleration of any test impact shall not exceed
% of Dimension B in the center front (E in Fig. 1).
300 g, when conditioned as described in 9.1 and when tested in
6.3.5 The armhole circumference shall be measured by
accordance with 11.2.
placing the armhole opening over the test device shown in Fig.
2. The point at which the armhole opening circumference
6. Dimensioning, Sizing and Body Coverage
contacts the cone measurement device at all points around the
6.1 The whole circumference of the torso shall be covered
circumference of the armhole shall be considered to be the
by the body protector.
armhole circumference. The circumference of the armhole
shall be less than 70 % of Dimension A (F in Fig. 1).
6.2 All measurements shall be taken from the edge of the
padding material to the edge of the padding material as 6.3.6 The minimum width of padding across the back
designated in 6.3. The outer material that holds the padding between the armholes shall be more than 30 % of Dimension
material shall not be considered to be padding material. A (G in Fig. 1).
F2681 − 18 (2023)
TABLE 1 Sampling and Test Schedule
6.3.7 The minimum width of padding across the chest
between the armholes shall be more than 20 % of Dimension Dimensioning, Closures Impact
Sizing and (11.1) Attenuation
A (H in Fig. 1).
Body Coverage (11.2)
6.3.8 The maximum vertical dimension (depth) of the front
(Section 6)
neck opening shall be less than 15 % of Dimension B (I in Fig.
Sample 1, Ambient X X X
Sample 2, High Temperature X
1).
Sample 3, Low Temperature X
6.3.9 The maximum vertical dimension (depth) of the back
Sample 4, Water Immersion X
neck opening shall be less than 10 % of Dimension B (J in Fig.
1).
6.3.10 The test area shall consist of the area bounded by
8. Sampling and Test Schedule
dimensions A, C, C’, D and D’ as shown in Fig. 1.
8.1 A total of four specimens of each size of the protector
model shall be submitted for testing. The ambient sample shall
7. Apparatus
be tested for dimensioning, sizing, and body coverage prior to
7.1 Dimensioning, Sizing and Coverage—The apparatus for closure testing. Upon completion of closure testing, the ambi-
the dimensioning, sizing and coverage evaluation shall include:
ent sample shall be subjected to impact attenuation testing. A
summary of the sampling and test schedule appears in Table 1.
7.1.1 Cloth Tape Measure, metric, capable of reporting
measurements to the nearest 0.1 cm.
9. Conditioning
7.1.2 Armhole Circumference Measurement Device, shown
9.1 Prior to testing, condition one body protector apiece in
in Fig. 2. The armhole circumference measurement device
each of the following four ways:
shall be fabricated from any material that will not significantly
9.1.1 Ambient Temperature—Condition one body protector
degrade over time. Suitable materials include plastic, metal or
for a period of not less than 4 h at laboratory conditions at a
wood.
temperature of 21 6 3°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 15 %.
7.2 Shock Attenuation Test—The apparatus for the shock
Record the temperature to the nearest degree and the relative
attenuation test shall consist of the following:
humidity to the nearest percent at the time of testing on the
7.2.1 Guide Assembly—The spherical impactor shall be
report form for each test series.
attached to the free fall drop assembly carriage by an adjustable
9.1.2 Low Temperature—Condition the second body protec-
mounting that will allow impacts to be delivered to any point
tor by exposing it to a temperature of –15 6 3°C for not less
of the body protector within the area designated by 6.3,
than 4 h nor more than 24 h in a mechanically cooled
provided that the center of any impact is not less than 50 mm
apparatus.
from any padding edge, and at least 100 mm from any prior
9.1.3 High Temperature—Condition the third body protector
impact center. The carriage shall be free to slide on vertical
by exposing it to a temperature of 40 6 2°C for not less than
guides. If wires are used, they shall be placed under at least
4 h nor more than 24 h.
845 N tension. The guide assembly shall not weigh more than
9.1.4 Water Immersion—Condition the fourth body protec-
1.100 kg. The total weight of the guide assembly and spherical
tor by fully immersing in potable water at a temperature of 19
impactor shall be 5.0 6 0.1 kg.
6 3°C for not less than 4 h nor more than 24 h.
7.2.2 Recording Equipment—The recording equipment shall
9.1.5 Testing for Conditioned Specimens—Complete all
meet the following criteria:
testing on body protectors within 5 min after removal from the
7.2.2.1 Acceleration Tr
...