AMA Bans Helmet Accessories

[cowboyona426]

In an apparent email sent from the AMA to members, AMA has decided to ban "accessories" on helmets for amateur racers.

The following rule change was created through the AMA Competition Commissions process. The Change has been approved by the AMA Board of Directors and will go into effect January 1, 2021. New rules for the 2021 season are shown and printed in bold italic type.

Update to the included in all amateur AMA Racing disciplines:

All helmets must be intact and no modification may be made to their construction that alters the helmet from the condition it was tested and approved. The helmet is made to provide protection and is not a platform to attach foreign objects. For example, cameras or other accessories are NOT permitted to be attached to the rider’s helmet.

I looked and was not able to find anything on the AMA website, but this information is circulating widely on social media and other forums. My assumption is that per the language, even goggles would not be allowed which is beyond absurd. Thoughts on this?

[Woody_393]

This is interesting for sure. Wonder if the added accessories have caused neck and spine injuries? I also wish they would have clarified that in the press release.

[cowboyona426]

Originally Posted by Woody_393

This is interesting for sure. Wonder if the added accessories have caused neck and spine injuries? I also wish they would have clarified that in the press release.

From w hat I've read, there has been some research done that shows a camera or other object attached to the helmet could get caught in the dirt, on a rock, another bike etc in a crash and cause injury that would have been prevented otherwise. But, it still seems like a knee-jerk reaction and not very well thought out. I read on another forum that cameras mounted to the visor may still be allowed since they aren't attached to the helmet itself.

[its a ktm]

I heard the AMA isn't allowing a camera on the rider's helmets which that to me is crazy.

[Woody_393]

Maybe even asking for some sort of quick release... or I guess break away mechanism. However, any of that still could contribute.

[noonersracing]

I'd like to see the data that changed their mind on this. Is it an issue in 1 out of 100 crashes, 1 out of 1,000 crashes, 1 out of 10,000 crashes or 1 out of 100,000 crashes?

[cowboyona426]

Originally Posted by noonersracing

I'd like to see the data that changed their mind on this. Is it an issue in 1 out of 100 crashes, 1 out of 1,000 crashes, 1 out of 10,000 crashes or 1 out of 100,000 crashes?

Unfortunately in this day and age, data and statistics seem to be invalid. Decisions are fueled by emotion and/or whoever has the deepest pockets.