What is the primary purpose of NOCSAE's established voluntary test standards?

The primary purpose of NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) established voluntary test standards is to reduce head injuries in sports. NOCSAE focuses on ensuring that protective equipment, such as helmets, meets specific performance criteria that are designed to minimize the risk of concussion and other serious head injuries during athletic activities. By creating these standards, NOCSAE aims to promote safety in sports through rigorous testing and evaluation of equipment.

While improving athletic performance, enhancing training techniques, and standardizing equipment design are important factors in the overall context of sports safety and performance, the specific intent of NOCSAE's test standards is to prioritize the prevention of head injuries, thereby making athlete safety the foremost consideration. This focus on injury reduction is vital for safeguarding the health of athletes at all levels of competition.