Freedom to Choose Bull Riding Helmet

The NHSRA recently voted to mandate that the bull riders be required to have only two choices of helmets to ride in.

While we support the association and the use of helmets, we do not agree with NHSRA in requiring us to choose from Phoenix and Invinci Bull helmets only for our children to ride in. We would like to reserve the right to choose the helmet as well as the manufacturer. While not all bull riding helmets are created equal, they all provide some form of protection.

Additionally, we have been informed that the Invinci Bull helmets have a very long lead time and may not be delivered in time for the 2015-2016 season start when the rule is currently scheduled to go into effect. They also carry a hefty price tag of $850 + tax and shipping or for NHSRA members a small discount.

Another concern is this helmet does not come off in the event of a bull’s horn getting wedged under the mask or shell which can be catastrophic for the rider. It is also very heavy for the sport not allowing the younger kids to maintain the proper positioning on the bulls.

Lastly from a safety perspective, which was the objective in NHSRA designating the allowable manufacturers’ of required bull riding helmets, the shell does not cover the back of skull as well as other helmets do. The Phoenix helmet is basically the same as the bicycle helmet off the shelves of your local sporting goods store.

Given these concerns and other options on the market, we ask for you to allow us to choose the brand of helmet. We have spoken with the insurance underwriters and they have no knowledge of this being an insurance liability and also mentioned they do not put any requirement on what equipment the contestants can use.

Additionally it would seem to be an increase liability issue in the event that the required helmet was found to be the cause or contributing factor to a serious injury. We would think that the NHSRA could open themselves up to liabilities if someone is injured in a helmet that was mandated and there were other options not allowed. Rodeo by nature is an inherently dangerous sport and we as parents would like to reserve the right to choose what our kids wear to protect them.