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'Smart' Helmets Help Protect High School Football Players

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined since the team put him on the injured reserve list after his third concussion in two years.

Part of the team's decision-making process was based on information gleaned from data sensors on helmets, mouth guards and shoulder pads.

That "smart helmet" technology has trickled down to Kerr County's public high school football programs, where helmet sensors monitor and record significant head impacts sustained during a football game or practice. Alerts enable coaches and trainers to watch for a player's vulnerability and pull them out before serious injury can occur.

Before this year's football season, grants from the Cailloux Foundation provided funds to high schools in Kerrville, Ingram and Center Point for special Riddell helmets that use InSite technology, a monitoring system that measures the impact of the skull against the inside of the helmet.

None of the area high school squads has suffered serious injuries in the past few years, the coaches said.

Tivy Head Coach David Jones said Tivy has been "amazingly blessed" that its athletes have escaped serious injury. 

Jones said the helmets are a "remarkable gift that helps us protect our players."

Mario Laque, athletic director in Center Point, said the helmets are the newest Riddell models.

"Company representatives came in and scanned every athlete's head to ensure a custom fit for the special inserts," he said.

Ingram athletic director Tate DeMasco said the inserts have sensors on both sides, on top, and front and back.

DeMasco said the players like the helmets because they are custom-fitted and comfortable.

 "When we get alerts, we can pull that player out and have our trainer evaluate them," he said. "This is one more safety precaution that helps parents feel good about their children's safety."

Laque said in addition to practice and game impact reports, the system also generates a weekly report that details which players are receiving the most daily impacts.

"It allows us to monitor our athletes' safety more efficiently," he said.

Center Point Independent School District Superintendent Cody Newcomb said the district's grant amounted to $15,180, which allowed them to buy 24 helmets.

Ingram Tom Moore High School Superintendent Bobby Templeton said their $26,500 grant paid for 40 helmets.

"The helmets are nothing short of amazing," he said.

Tivy was able to outfit 70 helmets for the varsity and JV squads thanks to the $45,500 grant.

"Retail, the helmets would cost about $1,200 each," Jones said. "The grant allowed us to buy them for about $650."

Jones said the technology of these helmets is like what the National Football League is using.

NFL Vice President Jeff Miller said the data insights have led to rules changes, practices habits and improved equipment, all in the interest of player safety.

"It's been a win for everybody," Miller said.

So, what happens to the special helmet when a football player graduates?

Jones said Riddell will reformat the helmets for new players at a nominal cost. The company also will recondition and recertify every helmet every two years.

A helmet's lifespan is approximately 10 years, he said.

DeMasco said the company will custom fit a new player, change out the helmet insert and keep the shell.

"I believe it will cost about $70," he said.

All three superintendents praised the Cailloux Foundation's generosity.

"They have a heart for kids and a heart for our community that is so very appreciated," Ingram's Templeton said.

"Parents drop their kids off with us in good condition, and returning them safe and sound is our most important mission," he said.

Wanda Garner Cash is a general assignments reporter for The Kerrville Daily Times.

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