As of August 20, 2026, youth sports gear planning for fall should start with two areas that have the clearest research support: head protection in contact sports and footwear choices for cutting sports. Parents and coaches can reduce avoidable equipment risk by checking tested helmet categories, cleat fit, stud shape, surface match, and whether gear still fits after summer growth.
Gear does not replace coaching, conditioning, rule enforcement, or medical … Read the rest
