6-1 The following steps should be taken: 1. A team meeting is called in which the risks entailed in the use and fitting of the equipment are fully explained. 2. A defective piece of equipment must be immediately reparted and repaired. 3. A letter is sent to each parent or guardian explaining equipment limitations. This letter is signed and returned to the athletic trainer. 4. A meeting of parents, team members, and coaches is called to further explain equipment limitations.6-2 It must be explained that the helmet cannot prevent serious neck injures. Striking an opponent with any part of the helmet or face mask can place abnormal stress on cervical structures. Most severe neck injuries occur from striking an opponent with the top of the helmet this action is known as axial loading.