Clarification of the change to helmet attachments: Below is the current AMA rule on helmet requirements. The rationale will be printed below the rule the red section is the part of the rule that changed which may impact your use of helmet mounted objects.
7. Wearing of Helmets: It is mandatory for all participants taking part in practice and competition to wear a full face protective helmet.
a. 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, this includes the mouth guard and the visor.
b. The helmet must have a chin strap type ‘retention system’.
c. The helmet must be of proper fit, in good condition, and properly fastened.
USA: Snell M2010/M2015 or DOT FMVSS 218
Europe: ECE 22-05 ‘P’, ‘NP’ or ‘J’
Japan: JIS T 8133 : 2007 Full Face Type Helmet Open Face 27
The rationale for the change comes from the original rule. The helmets we wear must be of the approved type as listed in the rule. Research found that no helmet manufacturers will certify a helmet with any objects mounted to them. Mounting objects on the helmet decertifies them and therefore is against the rule.
There are documented cases of helmet accessory mounts going through the helmet shell in a crash, and also they have been known to cause complete breakage of helmets, this is the reason the manufacturers will not certify them with added mounts.
So what is allowed? To the best of my knowledge:
1. Eject helmet removal system, that is inside the helmet and most helmets are made to add one.
2. You can use stick on numbers of the vinyl type
3. Helmets can be painted but check with the manufacturer as some will void the warranty if the helmet is painted.
4. The hose that comes from a drink pack is allowed provided it is not permanently screwed to the shell.
5. Addition of flexible clear plastic visor extension for mud races.
6. Foam between the visor and helmet to prevent mud accumulation
If any of you follow European competition this has been if effect for several years in all FIM competition.
The good news helmet companies and camera companies are aware of this situation and are working jointly to come up with a solution.
I know this is a big change for many but remember there are many ways to mount a camera to a bike or chest protector etc.
-D23 MX Chairman Mike Quinn