One of the most common questions I get from parents heading into a new season is some version of: is this gear still good? Sometimes the answer is obvious — a cracked helmet shell or a cleat sole that is peeling off. But a lot of the time, gear that looks fine from the outside has degraded in ways that are not visible, and knowing the difference genuinely matters.
Helmets: The Most Critical Assessment
- Recondition every 2 years: NOCSAE recommends certified reconditioning every two years, during which the internal padding is inspected, replaced if necessary, and the helmet is re-certified.
- Replace after any significant single impact: A helmet that absorbed a high-force impact should be inspected by a certified reconditioning provider before being used again. When in doubt, take it out of service.
- Absolute maximum age is 10 years from manufacture date: After 10 years, no reconditioning can extend the certification.
- Check the shell annually: Any visible cracking of the outer shell is grounds for immediate replacement regardless of age.
Shoulder Pads: Watch the Foam
Shoulder pads typically last 3 to 5 seasons with normal youth-level use. The main thing to check is the internal foam padding under the hard plastic shell. Press firmly with your thumb — it should compress and spring back. If it compresses and stays compressed, that foam has lost its protective capability. The pad looks the same from the outside but provides significantly less protection than it did when new.
In the upper Midwest specifically, the freeze-thaw cycles that pads go through — stored in an unheated garage, taken to cold practice fields, warmed back up — accelerate foam breakdown faster than in warmer climates. A pad that might last five seasons in a southern state may start showing foam degradation in three seasons here.
Cleats: It Is About the Sole
Youth cleats usually last one to two seasons. Check the studs for wear — molded cleats that have worn down to near-flat nubs provide dramatically reduced traction. Check the sole-to-upper bond, especially around the heel and toe — any separation or peeling means the shoe is at the end of its life. And if your son’s foot has grown, none of the structural considerations matter anyway.
Gloves and Smaller Accessories
Receiver gloves typically last one season of regular play before the grip material degrades noticeably. Mouthguards should be replaced if they show any signs of cracking or if the fit has loosened. Chin straps should be inspected at the start of each season for fraying or buckle damage. The general rule: if it affects impact protection or fit, err on the side of replacement.