Certor Sports Applauds California for Putting Youth Helmet Safety Decisions in the Hands of Parents and Athletes

Certor Sports backed AB 708 from the start; Riddell stood alone in opposition.

PLAINFIELD, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Certor Sports, the parent company of Schutt and VICIS, supported Assembly Bill 708 from the start and applauds its enactment. Every other registered medical and youth sports organization joined Certor in supporting the measure, while Riddell stood alone as the sole registered opponent. The law guarantees parents of youth tackle football players the right to equip their children with soft-shell helmet add-ons, such as the Guardian Cap.

"California put the decision about a child's helmet where it belongs: with the parents," said Jeremy Erspamer, President and CEO of Certor Sports. "We have always supported athlete and parental choice when it comes to soft-shell helmet add-ons, and Schutt and VICIS helmets remained fully warrantied when used with a properly installed Guardian Cap. AB 708 now protects that choice for young football athletes across California."

Championed by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, AB 708 requires every youth tackle football league, organization, and coach in California to allow safety equipment, including soft-shell helmet add-ons. The new law gives parents a legal remedy if a league refuses, and, beginning with helmets put into play on Jan. 1, 2027, prohibits a manufacturer from voiding a helmet's warranty or safety certification solely because a soft-shell cover was attached.

"For too long, certification and warranty concerns were cited as reasons to keep additional protection off kids' heads," Erspamer said. "NFL players have worn these covers in practice since 2022 and in games since 2024. High school and youth players deserve the same freedom of choice. California's doctors agreed, its legislators agreed, and we support their efforts to better protect players at all levels."

AB 708 cleared the California Legislature without a single no vote, passing 39-0 in the Senate and 79-0 in the Assembly.

Supporters of the measure included Certor Sports, the California Medical Association, California Academy of Family Physicians, California Neurological Society, California Orthopedic Association, the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the California Youth Football Alliance and Pop Warner.

According to the Legislature's public record, Riddell was the sole registered opponent.

To learn more about Certor Sports, visit certorsports.com.

ABOUT CERTOR SPORTS

Certor Sports specializes in manufacturing products under the VICIS, Schutt, and TUCCI brands. As a premier provider of athletic protective gear and high-performance apparel, Certor Sports is committed to safeguarding athletes with cutting-edge solutions. With a strong emphasis on quality and performance, Certor Sports has established itself as a trusted leader in athletic protection. To learn more about Certor Sports, visit certorsports.com.