NFL prohibits non-standard facemasks
The face of the NFL may be changing.
The league handed down a ban on non-standard and overbuilt facemasks for the upcoming season, citing safety concerns.
In a memo, the league cited research from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, which showed that non-standard helmets more frequently fail safety and certification tests and aren't up to NFL safety standards, according to Ian Rapoport.
The NFL has banned the following facemasks for the 2014 season, citing safety reasons pic.twitter.com/FbqgCXWE8f
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) July 1, 2014
A study by the University of New Hampshire states that the added weight of the masks negatively affects the structure of the helmet, which can cause neck fatigue that leads to more head-down postures during contact.
Four players - Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Will Beattie, and Terrance Knighton - had medical approval to wear the masks in 2013, and will need to re-apply for the upcoming season.