Choose with confidence

How to choose a football helmet: the NOCSAE seal, reconditioning and recertification, independent ratings, sizing and fit checks, and face mask choices.

How to size football shoulder pads by chest and shoulder width, how pads differ by position, and the fit checks coaches use before the season.

How to choose football cleats: low, mid and high cuts by position, molded vs detachable studs, turf shoes, fit, and league rules on cleats.

Football receiver gloves and lineman gloves compared: grip palms, padding, fit, sizing, and the NOCSAE or SFIA label high school and college rules require.

Which football size to buy by age: Official, Youth, Junior and Pee Wee balls, how leagues set ball sizes, and leather vs composite footballs.

What you need for flag football: flag belts and flag styles, molded cleats, mouthguards, soft-shell headgear where allowed, gloves and the right ball size.

Flag football, tackle football and 7v7 compared on contact, team size, positions, equipment and cost, so families can choose the right format.