Riddell Named Exclusive Football Helmet Partner of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Riddell, the official helmet of the National Football League®, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) announced today an exclusive partnership to provide educational programs for athletic administrators. This partnership works to raise awareness of innovative equipment, technology and services among coaches and parents and furthers the organizations' joint commitment to protecting football players at every level.

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The NIAAA, an independent non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, promotes positive working relationships with state athletic administrators and state and national athletic associations. As a strategic partner of the NIAAA and recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation, Riddell will ensure that certified athletic administrators and athletic programs across the U.S. stay informed on the most important issues affecting athlete protection on the field.

"The NIAAA is a terrific organizational fit for Riddell. We share many of the same goals with its dedicated members such as our focus on improving junior high and high school athletic programs," said Dan Arment, president of Riddell Sports. "This partnership will have a direct positive impact for players and parents and represents a further extension of our commitment to football programs nationwide."

Riddell, whose equipment is worn by players at all levels, will be woven into the NIAAA's 12-month calendar of national events and initiatives. Riddell will provide educational opportunities for athletic administrators and directors on key issues such as proper helmet fitting, return-to-play counsel, helmet reconditioning and recertification services, safety standards and procedures, and emerging technologies.

"The NIAAA is excited to have football's most respected protective sports equipment company as a partner," said Bruce Whitehead, executive director of the NIAAA. "Our partnership with Riddell will help support the vital role of interscholastic athletics in the educational system, demonstrating how essential on-field leadership, sportsmanship and player safety is to students' football experience."

Riddell will offer the NIAAA its industry-leading protective technologies in the form of helmets and shoulder pads as well as comprehensive tutorials and educational resources for athletic administrators, coaches, parents and players throughout the year.

For more information about Riddell Sports, visit riddell.com. For more information about the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, visit niaaa.org.

About Riddell
Founded in 1929, Riddell is a premier designer and developer of protective sports equipment and a recognized leader in helmet technology and innovation. One of Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.'s most well-known brands and the Official Helmet of the NFL®, Riddell is the leading manufacturer of football helmets, shoulder pads and reconditioning services (cleaning, repairing, repainting and recertifying existing equipment).

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.
Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 31 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

About the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association preserves, enhances and promotes the educational values of interscholastic athletics through the professional development of its members in the areas of education, leadership, and service. The NIAAA's commitment to leadership programs, resources and services support the athletic administrator's efforts in providing quality athletic participation opportunities for students. The NIAAA promotes a positive working relationship with state athletic administrator and State and national athletic/activity associations in addition to developing strategic alliances with other education based agencies.

Contact:
Sean McCarthy
MSLGROUP
(312) 861-5276
[email protected]

SOURCE Riddell