FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

What does each school receive as a part of the program?

  • Axiom Helmets – A pre-determined number of brand-new Riddell Axiom helmets will be distributed based on the school’s 2025 tackle football classification. Approximately 25% of helmets will be distributed annually during the four-year program (2025 – ’28).
  • InSite Analytics Subscription – A subscription to InSite Analytics will be provided throughout the duration of the four-year program for interested programs.
  • Riddell Sideline Device – InSite Smart Helmet Technology is accessed through a wireless, Bluetooth-enabled handheld device provided in the year a program opts into the subscription.
  • Dedicated Program Support – Staff will be available to answer questions in-person, via phone and online, as needed.
  • Educational Opportunities – Coaches and administrators will be invited to educational opportunities including, but not limited to: Zoom Information Sessions, In-Person Trainings and Coaches Clinics.

What is the cost to participate for schools?

  • There is zero cost to the schools to participate in the program. Schools will be asked to review and sign a participation agreement to enroll in the program.
  • Participating schools will be responsible for annual helmet recertification and reconditioning costs and services. This is especially important to ensure replacement of the InSite player unit battery.

Why did the Denver Broncos Foundation choose to partner with Riddell on this program?

  • Riddell has been the long-standing leader in football head protection and protective athletic equipment for more than 95 years and the company is dedicated to giving back to the football community while advancing the sport through game-changing innovations and technology.
  • The Axiom is the culmination of Riddell’s never-ending commitment to athlete protection and performance. The Axiom’s comprehensive protection system is the first of its kind and now available to Colorado high schools.
  • Although there are no official numbers, Riddell estimates about 77% of the market share for NFL helmets and 87% for Division I colleges. Additionally, Riddell outfits about 75% of the youth and high school football helmet market.
DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS

How was the number of helmets per school determined?

  • Tackle football classifications are determined based on total student enrollment. With assistance from CHSAA, the average roster size for each classification was determined based on 2024 participation data reported by Colorado high school football programs. Each program will receive the number of helmets of their classification’s average roster size (approx.). This is a fair and equitable way to distribute helmets to every program in the state.

What is the average lifespan of a football helmet?

  • Football helmets have an approximate 10-year life span and must be recertified regularly. Recertification and reconditioning are recommended every year, but required at least every two years. Recertification for the state of Colorado takes place at Riddell’s helmet plant in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

Why are the helmets being distributed over a four-year period instead of all at once?

  • On average, tackle football programs turnover 20 – 25% of their helmet inventory each year. This is due to natural wear and tear and determined during the reconditioning process. By distributing helmets over a four-year period, schools will be adding new inventory at a pace that is consistent with their current helmet budgeting and purchasing habits. Helmets will expire on a staggered schedule which will prevent schools from having to replace a significant percentage of their inventory in one year. Additionally, programs can budget in advance to cover other costs associated with their team operations.

How often will the helmets be reconditioned and who is responsible for reconditioning?

  • Similar to the current process, individual schools are responsible for the maintenance, reconditioning and recertification of each helmet in their inventory. This includes the donated Axiom helmets. This is a cost that schools should plan for in their annual budgeting process.
  • The Denver Broncos Foundation expects that the Axiom helmets will be reconditioned annually at the conclusion of each high school football season. This is especially important to ensure replacement of the InSite player unit battery.

Are reconditioning costs for the Axiom the same as other Riddell helmets?

  • Reconditioning an Axiom helmet, battery replacement, and the InSite unit recalibration are estimated at an additional $30 per helmet (as compared to a SpeedFlex or non-InSite equipped helmet). Reconditioning prices vary based on the requirements of the job/service.

How was the number of Helmet Starter kits per school determined?

  • The number of Helmet Starter Kits was determined based on the total number of helmets a school will receive throughout the duration of the program.
  • 6-man through 2A = 3 kits
  • 3A and 4A = 6 kits
  • 5A = 9 kits
  • For teams interested in additional Helmet Starter Kits during the lifespan of the program, Riddell will offer as a catalog item for purchase.

Does the total helmet allotment change if a school changes CHSAA Classification after the 2025 season?

  • A school’s designated helmet allotment at the time of program launch will not change throughout the re-classification process.
AXIOM HELMET

Can an Axiom helmet be used by multiple players?

  • Axiom’s Tru-Fit™ System customizes a factory-installed performance liner system to create a personalized fit. An Axiom helmet cannot be transferred to another player without a reconfigured liner system. If an Axiom is transferred to a different player, a new head scan will be required at the time of reconditioning.

How are athletes scanned for new helmets?

  • The Riddell Head Scanning App is utilized via a mobile device in a well-lit area to capture a 3D image of the athlete’s head. The athlete provides basic information (e.g., playing position) and a series of photos are taken to confirm hair style at the time of the scan. The person conducting the scan walks in a circular motion around the athlete to complete the imaging. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes per athlete to complete the process.

What is the deadline for TRU-FIT™ SYSTEM head scans to be submitted to Riddell in order to receive helmets in time for the 2026 season?

  • The majority of scans should be completed by March 1. As needed, a limited number of additional scans may be accepted to address special circumstances through May 1.
RECONDITIONING

What additional steps are included in Riddell Axiom helmet reconditioning?

  • In addition to the standard helmet reconditioning process, Axiom helmet reconditioning also includes:

    • Reconfiguring the internal components for another custom player fit (if applicable)
    • Replacement of any components at no charge that are covered under warranty
    • Calibration check of the InSite Player unit/sensor pad
    • Battery replacement in the sensor (the expected battery life in the unit is one year, regardless of use)

Do Axiom helmets need to be reconditioned by Riddell, or can I use a local vendor?

  • Riddell is the only helmet manufacturer and authorized reconditioner with the components and testing equipment to recertify products with Riddell Tru-Fit™ and InSite smart helmet technologies. Because Riddell owns the Intellectual Property (IP) of Tru-Fit™ and InSite, it is uniquely equipped to recondition and recertify these helmets and ensure InSite is properly test and recalibrated.
  • Riddell reconditioning facilities are state-of-the-art, equipped with NOCSAE testing systems, and specialized apparatus for select Riddell helmets, ensuring accurate and consistent results. Specifically, helmets with InSite player units require service and a calibration check every year that can only be done in Riddell reconditioning facilities.

What if my school or district uses another manufacturer or reconditioner?

  • While Riddell has the capabilities to recondition other helmet brands and models, schools and districts may continue to utilize another manufacturer or reconditioner for all other helmets in inventory that are non-Axiom and non-Tru-Fit™ helmets.
  • Riddell Axiom helmets (and any Riddell helmet utilizing Tru-Fit™ custom fitting technology) must be reconfigured, reconditioned and recertified by Riddell.

How often are schools required to recondition the Axiom helmets?

  • Be it an Axiom or any other football helmet, Riddell strongly recommends annual reconditioning. Riddell believes every student deserves a recertified and reconditioned helmet each year. That said, to maintain NOCSAE certification, NOCSAE mandates reconditioning football helmets a minimum of every other year.

Are schools required to cover the costs of reconditioning?

  • Following the current reconditioning protocols, schools and districts are responsible for the maintenance, reconditioning and recertification of each helmet in their inventory. This includes the donated Axiom helmets as a part of the ALL IN. ALL COVERED. Program. This is a cost that schools and districts should plan for in their annual budgeting process.

How much does it cost to recondition an Axiom helmet?

  • Above and beyond the standard helmet reconditioning and recertification rate, Axiom helmet reconditioning includes an additional $20 charge per helmet.

How does my school or district start the reconditioning process?

  • If you have not already heard from your local Riddell representative, reach out to them directly to begin the reconditioning process.

When the Riddell team member comes to our school to evaluate and collect helmets for reconditioning, can we scan additional players for custom-fitted helmets at that time?

  • Yes, please inform your local Riddell representative that you would like scanning to be conducted during reconditioning. Riddell will ensure that appropriate staffing is available to support the scanning process.
INSITE ANALYTICS

Are schools required to utilize the InSite Analytics data collection and reporting tool?

  • Schools are not required to utilize InSite Analytics, but are encouraged to learn about the comprehensive system before making a final decision.

Why is InSite Analytics important?

  • The data collected, along with the analysis of the reporting, can be used to proactively influence player performance and reduce head impact exposure.

How does InSite Analytics assist with player performance?

  • With impact location tracking, coaches will be able to monitor proper technique for tackling and blocking for individual players, position groups, and by team. The data from InSite Analytics may also be used alongside practice and game video footage to review plays where improper technique was utilized so that the coaching staff may work with the player(s) to reteach them.

Who has access to the helmet data?

  • Riddell owns the data and uses the deidentified information for product development, support and enhancements. Schools receive aggregated reports, specific to their program, which they can use for internal purposes.

How will Colorado coaches be supported with customer service needs?

  • Riddell has staff dedicated to ensuring all head coaches have in-person, phone, and/or online support when needed.

How is the data delivered to the head coach?

  • InSite Analytics breaks down helmet impacts and reports directly to the coach and designated team staff via email. Coaches and team staff can customize their reports to see impact breakdowns by player, position group, and team.

How many high schools utilize InSite Analytics?

  • 43% of ALL IN. ALL COVERED. participating schools opted in to utilize InSite Analytics in 2025. Nationally, over 2,700 teams subscribed to InSite Analytics in 2025.
MISCELLANEOUS

Can schools and/or individual athletes purchase additional Axiom helmets from Riddell throughout the duration of this program?

  • Yes, Colorado schools and individuals interested in purchasing additional Axiom helmets can do so through Riddell and will be offered a discounted pricing structure based on quantity. They should contact their Riddell representative for more information.
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