The Effect of Football Helmet Facemask Styles on Perceived Player Behavior: A Pilot Study

Purpose:To examine perceived playing behaviors and attitudes in American football players concerning a novel, overbuilt-style football helmet facemask.Methods:Thirty-four collegiate-aged current or former football players reported to a one-on-one session to complete an 11-item survey to gauge what effects there might be on their attitudes or behaviors during football.Results:Fifty percent of current or former football players agreed they would be more intimidated by an opposing player wearing an overbuilt facemask and 53% felt they would be more intimidating to opposing players. Nearly 40% reported that they would feel safer wearing the overbuilt facemask, despite no evidence that it affords enhanced protection.Conclusions:The preliminary data suggest player perceptions of overbuilt facemasks may negatively influence playing behavior.[[Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2019;11(6):273–279.]