ASTM F2439-17(2023)

Standard Specification for Headgear Used in Soccer

ABSTRACT
This specification covers performance requirements for headgear used in soccer which are intended to reduce the forces reaching the impact area of the head. However, this specification does not address any injury that may rise from any type of impact that may occur during the play of soccer as the tests covered by this specification are laboratory simulation tests only and do not attempt in any way to recreate actual situations. Materials covered by this specification are test headforms consisting of Hybrid III adult male head and neck assembly and three types of anvils: steel post, headform, and molecular elastomer programmer (MEP). The headgear shall be conditioned in ambient, low temperature, high temperature, and water immersion conditions prior to shock attenuation impact and multiple impact tests. The tests shall involve three types of impact: head to forehead, head to goal post, and head to MEP impacts, and shall conform to the requirements specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification defines performance requirements for headgear used for participation in the sport of soccer. The technical requirements in this specification do not address the administrative requirements of soccer governing bodies, so it should not be assumed that any headgear satisfying this specification will be acceptable for use in sanctioned soccer events.  
1.2 This specification is intended to reduce the forces from external physical sources reaching the defined impact area of the head in impacts that may occur in the sport of soccer. No headgear can provide protection against all impacts, foreseeable or not. This specification does not address the potential for injury from any type of impact. The tests specified in this specification are laboratory simulation tests only, and do not purport to create situations identical to the impacts that may occur during the playing of soccer.  
1.3 All testing and requirements of this specification shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted herein. In the event of a discrepancy between the requirements of this specification and those of Test Methods F1446, this specification shall prevail.  
1.4 Partial utilization of this specification is prohibited. Any statement of compliance with this specification shall be a certification that the headgear meets all of the requirements of this specification in its entirety. Headgear that fails to meet any one of the requirements of this specification is considered to have failed the specification and should not be sold with any indication that it meets parts of the specification.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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-Oct-2023
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2439-17e1 - Standard Specification for Headgear Used in Soccer
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM F2439-17(2023): Standard Specification for Headgear Used in Soccer provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the performance of protective headgear specifically intended for soccer. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines critical laboratory procedures and requirements to assess headgear’s ability to reduce mechanical forces reaching the impact area of the head during certain types of soccer-related collisions. While the standard focuses on laboratory testing rather than real-world play conditions, it aims to enhance user safety by encouraging the development and use of reliable protective soccer headgear.

Key Topics

• Performance Requirements: Specifies thresholds for headgear in reducing mechanical impact forces transmitted to the head during simulated soccer collisions, such as head-to-head, head-to-goalpost, and head-to-surface impacts.
• Testing Protocols: Details rigorous laboratory tests using Hybrid III adult male head and neck assemblies and different types of anvils (steel post, headform, and modular elastomer programmer (MEP)) to simulate real-world impact scenarios.
• Environmental Conditioning: Requires headgear samples to undergo conditioning in various environments (ambient, low temperature, high temperature, and water immersion) prior to impact testing, ensuring performance consistency under diverse conditions.
• Labeling and Certification: Mandates clear labeling, including warnings about the limitations of headgear protection, manufacturer information, model designation, and cleaning instructions. Compliance with the entire standard is required for certification.
• System Calibration: Outlines procedures for maintaining and checking calibration of testing equipment, ensuring consistent and accurate test results.

Applications

This standard is valuable for:

• Manufacturers of Soccer Headgear: Provides clear criteria and testing methods to develop, evaluate, and certify protective soccer headgear for both amateur and professional use.
• Testing Laboratories: Supplies standardized methods for evaluating compliance, supporting accurate headgear assessment for consumer safety.
• Soccer Associations and Safety Regulators: Offers a technical reference point to inform decisions on approved equipment, though compliance does not guarantee acceptance for official match play.
• Coaches, Players, and Parents: Supports informed decision-making when selecting headgear by providing assurances about tested performance criteria, materials, and limitations.

ASTM F2439 does not assure protection against all types of soccer impacts, nor does it address administrative approval by soccer governing bodies. It is a laboratory performance standard designed to enhance headgear safety through consistent, evidence-based evaluation.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1446: Outlines core test methods and equipment procedures for evaluating the performance characteristics of protective headgear. All testing under ASTM F2439 references and is required to comply with ASTM F1446 unless otherwise specified.
• 49 CFR Part 572, Subpart E: Specifies construction and calibration for anthropometric test dummies, which are integral to headgear impact testing.
• International Standardization Principles: ASTM F2439 was developed in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines for international standards, aligning it with globally recognized best practices.

Practical Value

Using ASTM F2439-17(2023) assists soccer equipment manufacturers in delivering products that have undergone recognized, rigorous performance testing. It enables consumers to make safer choices and promotes greater transparency and trust in soccer headgear, contributing to the overall goal of reducing the risk of head injuries in the sport. Compliance with this standard signifies a commitment to quality by undertaking comprehensive laboratory evaluation, marking a significant step forward in player safety technology and risk management in soccer.

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: F2439 − 17 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Headgear Used in Soccer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2439; 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
Soccer is a sport with inherent risks. Participation in the sport implies acceptance of risk of injury.
This specification was developed to address forces of some of the incidental (non-ball) head impacts
that may occur while engaging in soccer. Although headgear satisfying this specification may provide
limited protection against heading impacts which are generally sub-concussive, heading impacts are
not addressed by this specification. In addition, the issue of multiple sub-concussive impacts is not
addressed here. Note–Protection provided by headgear satisfying this specification is not equivalent to
the protection provided by rigid “helmets” used in many other sports activities. Headgear that meets
these standard specifications may not provide significant protection in some head impact situations.
This specification is intended to be used with other standards and documents listed in the
Referenced Documents.
1. Scope certification that the headgear meets all of the requirements of
this specification in its entirety. Headgear that fails to meet any
1.1 This specification defines performance requirements for
one of the requirements of this specification is considered to
headgear used for participation in the sport of soccer. The
have failed the specification and should not be sold with any
technical requirements in this specification do not address the
indication that it meets parts of the specification.
administrative requirements of soccer governing bodies, so it
should not be assumed that any headgear satisfying this
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
specification will be acceptable for use in sanctioned soccer
standard.
events.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This specification is intended to reduce the forces from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
external physical sources reaching the defined impact area of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the head in impacts that may occur in the sport of soccer. No
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
headgear can provide protection against all impacts, foresee-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
able or not. This specification does not address the potential for
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
injury from any type of impact. The tests specified in this
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
specification are laboratory simulation tests only, and do not
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
purport to create situations identical to the impacts that may
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
occur during the playing of soccer.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.3 All testing and requirements of this specification shall
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
be in accordance with Test Methods F1446, except where noted
herein. In the event of a discrepancy between the requirements
2. Referenced Documents
of this specification and those of Test Methods F1446, this
2.1 ASTM Standards:
specification shall prevail.
F1446 Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures Used in
1.4 Partial utilization of this specification is prohibited. Any
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Protective
statement of compliance with this specification shall be a
Headgear
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F2439 – 17 . DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F2439-17R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2439 − 17 (2023)
2.2 Other Documents: mounted to a rigid structure. The headform anvil shall be
49 CFR Part 572, Subpart E Anthropometric Test Dummies positioned such that the only impact between the drop head-
Procedures for Assembly, Disassembly, and Inspection form and the impact anvil is at the selected impact location,
(PADI) of the Hybrid III 50th Percentile Dummy’s Nine with no other parts of the headform and anvil coming into
Accelerometer Array Head (NAAH) with Redundant contact with each other during the initial impact. The headform
Head C. G. Accelerometers anvil need not be instrumented.
5.5 MEP Anvil—The MEP anvil shall be as defined in the
3. Terminology
section on Modular Elastomer Programmer (MEP) of Test
3.1 Definitions:
Methods F1446. The MEP anvil shall be positioned with its
3.1.1 impact area—the region of the headform within which
upper surface horizontal, such that the only impact between the
the center of each impact footprint must fall. F1446
drop headform and the impact anvil is at the selected impact
location, with no other parts of the headform and anvil coming
4. Significance and Use
into contact with each other during the initial impact.
4.1 The purpose of this specification is to provide reliable
and repeatable test methods for the evaluation of headgear for
6. Equipment Calibration and System Checks
soccer. Headgear satisfying this specification is intended to
6.1 Instrumentation used in testing shall be calibrated ac-
reduce forces reaching the head in some of the impacts that
cording to the requirements of Test Methods F1446 and 49
may occur in soccer.
CFR Part 572, Subpart E.
5. Apparatus 6.2 The 50th percentile Hybrid III adult male test headform
used with this specification shall pass a system check according
5.1 Apparatus used for this testing shall be in accordance
to the procedures described in Appendix X2. Duration of the
with Test Methods F1446 except as noted herein.
system check cycle shall be no more than 12 months.
5.2 Test Headforms—Test headforms used with this speci-
6.3 Instrumentation System Check—The system instrumen-
fication shall be the 50th percentile Hybrid III adult male head
tation shall be checked before and after each series of tests by
and neck assembly, including the upper and lower neck
dropping the Hybrid III head and neck assembly (see 5.2) onto
adjusting brackets and all associated hardware. The equipment
the MEP pad (see section on Modular Elastomer Programmer
shall be as defined in the United States of America Code of
(MEP) of Test Methods F1446 ) at an impact velocity of
Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 572, Subpart E). A complete
2.8 m ⁄s 6 2 %. The head and neck assembly shall be oriented
listing of all parts and components which make up the head and
such that the neck of the Hybrid III headform is at a 24° 6 1°
neck assembly is found in Appendix X1; see also Procedures
downward angle relative to the horizontal and the forehead
for Assembly, Disassembly, and Inspection (PADI) of the
shall contact the center of the MEP pad. The peak acceleration
Hybrid III 50th Percentile Dummy’s Nine Accelerometer Array
obtained during this impact shall be 112 g 6 8 g. Three such
Head (NAAH) with Redundant Head C.G. Accelerometers.
impacts at intervals of 75 s 6 15 s shall be performed before
5.2.1 The test headform shall be mounted to a standard
and after each series of tests. If the average peak acceleration
monorail or twin-wire system or similar system, as shown in
obtained in the pretest impacts differs by more than 5 % from
Test Methods F1446. Mass of the entire drop system shall be
the average peak acceleration obtained in the post test impacts,
8.8 kg 6 5 % (19.4 lb 6 5 %). Accelerometer instrumentation
recalibration of the instruments and transducers must be carried
shall be installed into the test headform to measure resultant
out, and all data obtained during that series of impact tests shall
linear accelerations of the test headform as specified in the
be discarded.
section on Accelerometer of Test Methods F1446.
5.2.2 The headform center of gravity shall fall within 5° of
7. Samples for Testing
the vertical axis through the point of impact when the test
headform assembly is in the impact position, as described in 7.1 Conditions and Attachments—Headgear shall be tested
the Appendix of Test Methods F1446.
complete, in the condition as offered for sale. They must satisfy
all requirements of this specification with or without any
5.3 Steel Post Anvil—The steel post anvil used in this
included attachments.
specification is to represent a nominal 7.62 cm (3 in.) diameter
steel post. The anvil shall consist of a 7.62 cm (3 in.) diameter 7.2 Number of Samples—A test series requires 12 samples
steel bar (65 %) that is welded (or securely attached to
of each size headgear and shall be tested according to the
similarly minimize vibration between the bar and the plate) in following schedule (see Table 1).
a horizontal position to a steel plate.
8. Conditioning Requirements
5.4 Headform Anvil—The headform anvil is a 50th percen-
tile Hybrid III headform and neck assembly as defined in 5.2.
8.1 Ambient Condition—Four samples of each size headgear
The headform anvil shall be oriented such that the forehead is
shall be conditioned at the ambient condition defined in ASTM
in an upright target position. The lower neck bracket shall be
Test Methods F1446.
8.2 Low Temperature—Three samples of each size headgear
shall be conditioned at the low temperature conditions as
Available from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 400
7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20590. defined in Test Methods F1446.
F2439 − 17 (2023)
TABLE 1 Sample Test Schedule
9.2.3 A label that warns the user that no headgear can
Head to Head to Head to Multiple Number protect against all foreseeable impacts, and that for maximum
Forehead Post MEP Impacts of
protection, the headgear must be fitted and attached properly to
Impacts Impacts Impacts to MEP Impacts
the wearer’s head in accordance with the manufacturer’s fitting
Headgear 1, Ambient X 1
instructions.
Headgear 2, Hot X 1
Headgear 3, Cold X 1
9.2.4 A statement that this headgear satisfies the require-
Headgear 4, Wet X 1
ments of ASTM Specification F2439.
Headgear 5, Ambient X 1
9.2.5 A statement that this headgear is intended to reduce
Headgear 6, Hot X 1
Headgear 7, Cold X 1 head impact forces while playing soccer, and shall not be used
Headgear 8, Wet X 1
as head protection for other activities.
Headgear 9, Ambient X 1
9.2.6 A statement warning the user that the headgear can be
Headgear 10, Hot X 1
Headgear 11, Cold X 1
damaged by contact with common substances, for example,
Headgear 12, Wet X 1
certain solvents, cleaners, and so forth, and that this damage
Headgear 1, Ambient X X 6
may not be visible to the user. The label should also list any
recommended cleaning agents or procedures, or both.
9.3 Marking the Impact Area—The impact area is an angled
band encircling the entire head, 50 mm (2.0 in.) 610 % in
8.3 High Temperature—Three samples of each size head- linear height. Using a 50th percentile male Hybrid III head and
neck assembly, place the test headform in an orientation such
gear shall be conditioned at the high temperature conditions as
defined in Test Methods F1446. that the base of the skull is horizontal (see Fig. 1). Draw a line
25 mm (1.0 in.) above the design cg of the Hybrid III test
8.4 Water Immersion—Three samples of each size headgear
headform and parallel to the base of the skull and define this
shall be conditioned at the water immersion conditions as
line as AA’. Point A is the intersection of the line AA’ and the
defined in Test Methods F1446.
front profile of the test headform. Using point A as a guide,
8.5 Testing of conditioned samples must occu
...