Shoulder Pads/Equiptment

The shoulder pads consist of a hard plastic outer shell with shock-absorbing foam padding underneath. The pads fit over the shoulders and the chest and rib area, and are secured with various snaps and buckles. Shoulder pads give football players their typical "broad-shouldered" look, and are fitted to an adult player by measuring across the player's back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade with a soft cloth measuring tape and then adding 1/2 inch. For comfort, shoulder pads are sometimes worn in conjunction with a shoulder pads cushion of foam rubber over a cotton half-tee. Shoulder pads accomplish two things for a football player: (1) they absorb some of the shock of impact through deformation. The pads at the shoulders are strung on tight webbing and deform on impact, and (2) they distribute the shock through a larger area so there is less pressure at the point of impact. Various styles exist for different positions played. Pads for a quarterback are lightweight and offer freedom of movement. Pads for linemen are designed with few flaps and epaulets, thus reducing the opportunity for being grabbed by the opposition. Some football teams stock as many as 12 different styles (essentially one style for every position), with four different sizes per style. A number of custom fitting and padding options are also available, depending on each player's body type and injuries. At the discretion of the player, team physician, or equipment manager, Velcro is sometimes used to attach additional pads to build up protection or to take pressure off an injury by bridging over it. Attachments include spine protectors and rib protectors. A player may have a preference for vinyl straps and metal buckles or elastic straps as closures. Adult shoulder pads typically start at $90.00 and may reach $350.00 or more. Researchers at the University of Florida's College of Medicine have developed a way to air condition shoulder pads that is designed to regulate players' body temperatures during games and practice