Johnston County Public Schools has approved a contract worth up to $330,000 over three years to inspect, repair and recertify football helmets used by middle and high school athletes across the county.

The Johnston County Board of Education approved the agreement with equipment manufacturer Riddell during its October meeting, according to a November 2 report by JoCoReport.

The contract covers football programs at 21 middle and high schools throughout Johnston County.

The approved amount represents a three-year spending limit rather than money already spent.

What happens to the helmets?

The district's September 2026 bid specifications require helmets to be taken apart for inspection, cleaning and sanitizing.

Technicians check for damage and replace worn parts such as padding, face masks and hardware when necessary.

Helmets may also receive refinishing and replacement decals before being returned to schools.

But the most important step is determining whether each helmet can still meet the applicable safety standard.

Equipment that cannot be safely restored must be identified and rejected rather than returned to players.

Thousands of helmets over three years

The school district estimates approximately 1,200 to 1,750 helmets will need servicing each year.

That represents an estimated 3,600 to 5,250 helmets over the three-year contract period, depending on how many require work.

The 21-school list includes Clayton High, Clayton Middle, Cleveland High, Cleveland Middle, Corinth Holders High and Riverwood Middle.

Schools in Benson, Four Oaks, Princeton, Selma, Smithfield and other Johnston County communities are also included.

Reconditioning allows serviceable helmets to be checked and maintained from one season to the next instead of replacing every helmet automatically.

Why recertification matters

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) distinguishes between reconditioning and recertification.

Reconditioning involves inspecting, cleaning and repairing equipment, while recertification includes testing to determine whether previously certified helmets still meet the applicable standard.

Successfully recertified helmets receive updated identification labels, making it possible to document when they underwent the process.

According to NOCSAE's recommendations, manufacturers' instructions also help determine when helmets need recertification and whether particular models remain eligible.

No football helmet can completely eliminate the risk of concussion or other head injuries, making proper fit, safe playing techniques and appropriate medical precautions important too.

When will schools get their helmets back?

The district's bid documents call for helmets to be collected within three weeks after each school's final football game.

Helmets are generally expected to be returned by March 15, with an April 1 deadline for high schools advancing into the state playoffs.

Those deadlines are intended to give athletic programs time to prepare their equipment for the following season.

The three-year agreement covers the 2026–27 through 2028–29 school years.

For Johnston County parents and student-athletes, the contract establishes a recurring process for evaluating the condition of an important piece of football protective equipment.