Sudbury Spartans look to better helmets for protection against concussions

A Sudbury football team is fundraising thousands of dollars to purchase new helmets.

Increased awareness about concussions means athletes must constantly update their safety equipment.

Team manager Bill Castello told CBC News that a player sustains a concussion every season — but that's a big improvement from 20 years ago, when half a dozen players would end up with one.

"Over the last 10 years, safety at a helmet level has developed so drastically. The technology is cutting edge."

His team is in the midst of fundraising thousands of dollars for new helmets that promise to improve player safety. But the cost can be prohibitive.

Morning North5:25Sudbury Spartans fundraising to buy new football helmets

Protecting your head from injury isn't a cheap endeavour. Sudbury's semi-professional football team, the Spartans, is currently fundraising to get the team new helmets. Team manager Bill Castello told us about the importance of getting the new helmets.

Castello said some sports teams stop playing because they can't keep up with the cost of protective equipment.

Sudbury ER doctor Chris Bourdon said the average helmet only lasts three-to-four years — and that's only if the helmet hasn't already sustained trauma.

Bourdon said a concussion can happen even with a helmet on, and an expired or ill-fitting helmet could mean the concussion is more severe.

"I don't think there's a large number that are occurring because of outdated or inadequate equipment, but it certainly is a factor."

Bourdon said concussions are complex injuries that often require multiple specialists to diagnose and treat.

That's why he hopes to start up a concussion clinic here in the city.