How safe are the football helmets in your school district?
Virginia Tech and Wake Forest released a study after testing 18 different types of football helmets.
WKYC has collected information from local high schools about the types of football helmets local students wear.
We are comparing those helmet models with the ones rated by researchers at Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.
To date, the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings have evaluated 18 models of football helmets. Each model is given a "STAR" (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) rating on a scale of "NR" (Not Recommended) to five stars.
All helmets are currently on the market and in use. The study is current as of May 2013 and is updated annually, with the latest update due out this season, Virginia Tech researchers say.
DETAILS: Five-Year Helmet Rating Plan
BACKGROUND: Study Methodology
Researchers warn that much of the study is based on data analysis and probability. So while the chances of injury vary greatly by individual athlete, the STAR rating system serves as an overall guide.
HOW THE STAR RATINGS WORK:
STAR VALUE: A value was given using a probability formula. Researchers looked at the number of concussions one player may experience in one complete season with a specific helmet.
Helmet models were tested and given a rating based on the probability that they could reduce the risk of a concussion.
5 stars: Given for STAR values of .2999 or lower
4 stars: Given for STAR values ranging from .300 to .399
3 stars: Given for STAR values ranging from .400 to .499
2 stars: Given for STAR values ranging from .500 to .699
1 star: Given for STAR values ranging from .700 to .999
NR: Given for STAR values equal or greater than 1.000
Breakdown of helmet models by STAR rating:
Source: Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings™