CE Approved Helmets

CE Helmets Page Updated 13th January 2004 - Clyde

Questions I have asked about this

As from September 2002 everyone participating in BCU events will be required to use a CE Approved Helmet for use in Canoe Polo.

This is also the case in all the other Canoe / Kayaking Disciplines.

The argument of "fitting a faceguard - invalidates the CE Approval" is not an issue so far as this ruling is concerned.

There will be zero tolerance in enforcing this.

Currently it is illegal to sell a non CE Approved Helmet to anyone who might use it in the EU. This would simply be a matter of breaking the law !

For those players who do not think this is serious, let me just say that as far as the BCU Canoe Polo Committee is concerned, players (and teams) who do not have a suitable helmet with faceguard fitted, in their team colours / Player number ID, will NOT be playing.

If a team have this problem, they will forfeit all the games they are unable to provide correct equipment. Teams who forfeit games or a whole tournament will still be required to provide referees for their allocated slots, and would still be liable to pay tournament fees as if they had played.

Do not ask to borrow another teams equipment. Why should they have to buy kit for you to use !

Strictly speaking, all training sessions of clubs who are affiliated to an EU Canoe/Kayaking Federation are also covered by these same rules/laws as for competition.

Everyone has had plenty of warning about this (at least 2 years), so please don't give any league organisers trouble or you may face a fine or ban.

Here I will list as many CE Approved Helmets suitable for use in Canoe Polo as I can find plus a couple of others for information.

Photo	Model Name	Make	Circum	Side to Side	Front to Back	Height	Price
	P-Pot See Bellow*	Clyde's Version	68	33	38	12.5	£20

This is in Red - denoting that it is a style of helmet which is not suitable for Canoe/Kayaking since no CE approval has been applied for.

This is in Red - denoting that it is a style of helmet which is not suitable for Canoe/Kayaking since no CE approval has been applied for.

Photo	Model Name	Make / Supplier	Circum	Side to Side	Front to Back	Height	Price
	Combi	WW	76	59	44	25	£50

Those listed in Red Background are NOT CE Approved

If you know of any helmets not listed here, then let me know about it including all the the details listed here, and I'll add them to the list.

The P-Pot is the most popular single style (though it has been extensively copied / modified). It's there only for information to give you an idea of how the others compare for size. Certainly it can not be used in any BCU event in any form of Canoe/kayaking.

There are also serious concerns over whether the P-Pot can even be used by members of the GB squad while representing the BCU. Certainly while in Britain, there is no doubt that they can not.

The prices listed here were those found at the International Canoe Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham, UK 2002. Some where the Manufacturer Recommended prices, while others where discounted prices.

The Sizes are approximate and all measured in cm. I have tried to be consistent and fair in all models but I only measured 1 unit of each model. This was done without noting what size (if any) it was.

General Advice

Generally speaking most CE Approved helmets seem to be plastic of one type or another. There are very few composite (hand made) types.

It's important to note that many of the materials used will seriously degrade when brought into contact with certain substances. For example, if you need to change the colour of your helmet (you change team or get a 2nd hand one), then you should contact the manufacturer to get guidance as to what's the best approach to change the colour. Most will tell you you can't use any spray* or tape* which has glue as this will attack the integrity of the construction.

*Using Spray paint is usually not advisable. It chips off and clogs pool filters, and may attack the integrity of the helmet through chemical reaction.

*Maybe you could use PVC Electrical tape, but, still you should seek guidance from the manufacturer.

Further general advice is available from Clyde if required, although I can only realistically give technical advice on the H-Pot or the  Ainsworth WW model.

QUESTIONS I HAVE ASKED ABOUT THIS...

Chris Hawkesworth from the BCU has kindly found out the answers to many of these. Click here to see his email to me.

• Do I have to wear a CE Approved helmet in my club training sessions ?

Yes - if you want any hope of your Personal / Club / Federation insurance to cover any accident.

► All clubs under affiliated to the BCU, WCA, SCA, CANI should ensure their members are using appropriate kit.

 

• I have ordered a CE Approved helmet already and am waiting for it. What do I do in the mean time ?

You must wear a CE Approved helmet. If you are in Division 1 of any event then you still have to ensure your team colours and numbers match - even if you borrow a helmet that is CE Approved.

► You probably didn't order your new helmet early enough !

• I hear that once I drill holes in my CE Approved Canoeing helmet it wont be CE Approved anymore.

This is not a valid argument for not using a design of helmet which is CE Approved helmet for use in Canoe Polo.

►You have to have an appropriately CE Approved helmet & you have to have a suitable Faceguard fitted to it.
It's up to you how you fit it, but it must be safe and entirely suitable for the game - (durable enough).

 

• Most helmets don't allow anything to be stuck to them or they weaken the structure of the helmet.

You still have to have suitable numbers fitted on both sides of the helmet..

 

• If I find a helmet with more than one testing number is that ok to use ?

So long as it has the right number - so long as it's been tested for Canoe/Kayaking.

 

• What is the number I should be looking for ?

EN1385, or it might be CEN 1385.

• Can I use a CE Approved Climbing helmet for Canoe Polo ?

NO. There is an entirely different test criteria.

► The same applies to say a Skateboarding, Cricket, Skydiving, Motorcycling helmets. They must be for Canoe/Kayaking.

 

• Do members of the GB Squad have to wear CE Approved helmets outside Britain ?

If it's an ICF competition, then No, ICF rules take precedence.

• Do members of the GB Squad have to wear CE Approved helmets outside Europe ?

If a competition is held under ICF or other rules, those rules apply, wherever in the world the competition is held, so No.

• Does this CE Approval effect other European Nations ?

Yes, but it varies as to how much the law is involved / enforced.

 

• Do visiting teams from mainland Europe need to use CE Approved Helmets when competing in Britain?

If the event is run to ICF rules, then No, but if it is run to BCU rules then Yes.

• Do visiting teams from outside Europe need to use CE Approved Helmets when competing in Britain ?

If the event is run to ICF rules, then No, but if it is run to BCU rules then Yes.

• What level of competition does this effect in Britain ?

All levels that are working within the rules and guidelines of the BCU and it's Canoe Polo Committee.

 

• Do other disciplines have to comply with this ?

Yes, in Britain, they started to use it from the 1st January 2002.

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