Which organization establishes standards regarding protective equipment?

The National Operating Committee on Standards of Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is the organization responsible for establishing standards regarding protective equipment. This organization focuses specifically on ensuring that athletic gear, such as helmets and pads, meets safety requirements to minimize the risk of injury in sports. NOCSAE develops performance standards for equipment utilized in various sports, including football, baseball, and lacrosse, and conducts testing to ensure compliance with these standards.

While the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) also plays a role in setting safety standards across industries, including sports equipment, its focus is broader and not limited to athletics specifically. The International Federation of Football governs the rules of the game and standards for competition but does not directly establish equipment safety standards. The NCAA regulates college athletics, including some equipment standards, but it does not primarily serve as a testing organization for protective equipment like NOCSAE does. Thus, the most accurate answer is that NOCSAE is the dedicated organization for establishing standards for protective athletic equipment.