Products certification : Xenith Responds to Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report

Xenith, the helmet maker, responded to a recent report from  the Institute of Medicine that found that high school football players are nearly twice as likely to get concussions as college football players and high school athletes in other sports. Xenith applauded the researcher's efforts and stated its view that the way to reduce concussions "not only focuses on equipment, but also changing and enhancing how the game of football is played."

The Institute of Medicine found that high school football players sustained 11.2 concussions per 10,000 games and practices, well above the 6.9 concussions sustained by lacrosse players, according to data reported by high school athletic trainers. College football players received 6.3 concussions per 10,000 games and practices, according to a separate study reviewed by medical experts. The study also showed that as many as 20 percent of athletes who get a concussion have symptoms that linger more than two weeks.

In its statement, Xenith said, "Xenith is very appreciative of the leadership taken by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in reviewing the important issue of sports-related concussions.  We thank the IOM for their efforts and thank Senator Tom Udall for his leadership on raising the visibility of youth sports-related concussions.

Since its inception, Xenith has been at the forefront of innovation and modernizing technology to better protect athletes.  Through intensive research and development, Xenith was able to bring to market the first true advancement in football helmet technology and continues to make improvements."

Xenith has long emphasized the need to look at the problem of sports-related concussions through a holistic approach that not only focuses on equipment, but also changing and enhancing how the game of football is played.  Through our Enlightened Warrior campaign, Xenith has partnered with youth athletes across the country to teach better techniques and build character on and off the field.  We have also partnered with trainers and camps to push for proper tackling and to teach young players that the game is more than just hard hits."

We are excited that Xenith is already doing many of the recommendations laid out in the IOM report.  We also appreciate that the IOM's report calls for uniformity on how sports equipment is tested and evaluated and look forward to continue to bring innovation to our sports field."

We also recognized that the IOM report is a continuation of a conversation Xenith has always encouraged.  As the dialogue shifts from recommendations to actual policymaking, we look forward to the opportunity to work with not only the IOM but also decision makers in Congress to better protect our athletes of all ages."

By press release