Until now, youth football helmets were certified to the same NOCSAE standard as high school and college helmets (ND002). That standard has no weight limit and wasn't built around younger, lighter players. ND006, finalized in February 2025, is the first standard written specifically for players below the high school level. It takes effect on September 1, 2027.
3.5 lbs
Max helmet weight
Small-headform sizes, including facemask and attachments
5,000
rad/s² rotation limit
Peak rotational acceleration in ram testing
Sept 1, 2027
Effective date
Moved once already, from March 1, 2027
What ND006 requires
- A 3.5-pound weight limit. For sizes that fit the small test headform, the helmet with facemask and all attachments can't exceed 3.5 lbs (1.59 kg).
- A rotational acceleration limit of 5,000 rad/s². Rotational (twisting) forces are the ones most closely linked to concussion risk.
- Youth-specific testing. A lighter pneumatic ram and youth headforms reflect the impacts younger players actually take.
What it means for helmets you already own
ND006 is a standard for newly manufactured youth helmets. After September 1, 2027, manufacturers can no longer make youth helmets to the old ND002 standard. Helmets made before that date don't become illegal overnight: they can generally stay in use for their normal life as long as they're reconditioned and recertified on schedule. Your league or association sets the final rules for what can be worn, so check with them before you plan replacements.
Certification to ND006 is handled by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), which lists certified youth models on its website. If you're buying new youth helmets, ask whether the model is SEI-certified to ND006.
The LIGHT Apache Tomahawk
Live Sporting Goods carries the LIGHT Apache Tomahawk Youth, one of the lightest youth football helmets available. LIGHT lists it at under 3 lbs and calls it the lightest 5-star rated youth helmet, well under ND006's 3.5-pound limit.
Lighter helmets mean less fatigue across a practice and a season, and ND006 pushes the whole industry in that direction. Weight is one ND006 requirement, not the whole standard; we'll confirm the current SEI certification status for any model before you order.
Plan ahead of the 2027 buying season
Order before the spring rush
Most programs place fall equipment orders around March. Getting your count and pricing set before then avoids the crunch.
Lead times grow near the deadline
Demand for youth helmets certified to ND006 will rise as September 2027 gets closer. Earlier orders face shorter waits.
Check what you already own
Count helmets by model, size and manufacture date, and note reconditioning dates. That tells you what to replace and when.
Fit still comes first
A certified helmet only protects when it fits. We help with sizing so the order matches your players.
What to do next
If you run a youth football program, manage equipment or direct athletics, start with a short conversation with our team. We'll go through your current helmets, estimate what needs replacing and when, and put together pricing before the spring rush. No pressure and no commitment.