Riddell Unveils New, External Helmet Dating System

CHICAGO – January 4, 2012 –Riddell announced today it will be the first manufacturer to provide users with an easy-to-read, initial season of use/maximum life label. The label will be affixed to the exterior of its helmets as part of Riddell’s commitment to designing and manufacturing football helmets and equipment to provide athletes with the highest level of protection possible.

The initial season of use/maximum life label clearly shows a helmet’s year of manufacture, as well as its maximum lifespan, so athletes, coaches and parents can easily determine when to replace their equipment. A new policy from the National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) states any football helmet 10 years and older will no longer be eligible for reconditioning and recertification. This new label will be affixed to the back of every new Riddell helmet and any helmet reconditioned at a Riddell facility.

“It is important for schools to know the age of their helmets and recondition them each year to best protect athletes,” said Dan Arment, president of Riddell Sports. “Our new system helps coaches and parents easily determine the age of a player’s helmet.”

This initiative is supported by Chairman Inez Tenenbaum of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which works to improve the safety of thousands of consumer products under its jurisdiction.

“I applaud Riddell for stepping forward and empowering parents, players, and coaches with information that could prevent injuries on the football field,” said CPSC Chairman Tenenbaum. “I am also very encouraged that other helmet manufacturers have responded to my call that this become an industry standard, as quickly as possible. Every parent, player, and coach should be able to look at the back of any helmet and instantly know whether that helmet might still be eligible for use.”

The initial season of use/maximum life label is now in effect for the upcoming 2012 football season for all new Riddell helmets and reconditioned helmets. For more information, visit www.riddell.com.

ABOUT RIDDELL
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.’s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 31 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.