Downhill Protective Equipment Policy

Downhill Protective Equipment (Updated Post August 2009 AGM)

Armour Guidelines

MTBNZ have introduced a minimum body armour rule for competitors riding in MTBNZ National Series and Championship events. This document is to assist riders with the minimum criteria expected, it is not a finite list of acceptable armour as no definitive list is available either from governing bodies or the industry.

MTBNZ recommends affiliated MTB Clubs also adopt these Guidelines for there own activities.

The level of protection is split into two age groups, U15/17/U19 (18 and under) and Seniors and above (19 and over). This is in addition to MTBNZ’s standing rule regarding Full Face Helmets, which must be of single construction full face type and safety certified at an ASTM F1147; AS/NZS 2063; CE (EN1078) or Snell (B90 or B95) acceptable level.

U15/17/U19 (age 18 and below)

All equipment used should have been designed and sold with the express purpose of being used as protective sports clothing.

Compulsory

1. Gloves

Requirements

• Gloves giving full finger coverage.

Not permitted

• Partially fingered gloves.

2. Elbows/Forearms

Requirements

• Elbow/forearm protectors with the following properties:
  • Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
  • Can be stand alone elbow protectors or as part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
  • Can be elbow only or combined elbow/forearm protection.

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. Not foam or neoprene.

3. Knee/Shin

Requirements

• Knee/shin protectors with the following properties:
  • Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
  • Can be stand alone leg protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
  • Can be one piece knee/shin protectors or separate knee and shin padding.
  • Full length shin protection

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. Not foam or neoprene.

Highly Recommended

1. Spinal

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
• Cover full length of back (spine) from between shoulder blades to tail bone.
• Can be fully, partially or non articulated in design.
• Can be stand alone back protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. not foam or neoprene.
• Motocross style “roost guards” unless with a specific back protector, not just a rear roost deflector.

2. Shoulder

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
• Can be stand alone shoulder protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. Not foam or neoprene.

3. Neck Brace

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Leatt Brace style construction or similar

Seniors and Above (age 19 and over)

All equipment used should have been designed and sold with the express purpose of being used as protective sports clothing.

Compulsory

1. Gloves

Requirements

• Gloves giving full finger coverage.

Not permitted

• Partially fingered gloves.

2. Elbows/Forearms

Requirements

• Long sleeve jersey giving full arm cover to the wrist, and/or
• Elbow/forearm protectors with the following properties:
  • Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
  • Can be stand alone elbow protectors or as part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
  • Can be elbow only or combined elbow/forearm protection.

Not permitted

• Short sleeved jerseys, unless elbow/forearm protectors are worn in conjunction with the short sleeve.

3. Knee/Shin

Requirements

• Long leg pants giving full cover to the ankle, and/or
• Knee/shin protectors with the following properties:
  • Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
  • Can be stand alone leg protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
  • Can be one piece knee/shin protectors or separate knee and shin padding.
  • Full length shin protection

Not permitted

• Short leg pants, unless knee/shin protectors are worn in conjunction with the short leg.

Highly Recommended

1. Spinal

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
• Cover full length of back (spine) from between shoulder blades to tail bone.
• Can be fully, partially or non articulated in design.
• Can be stand alone back protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. not foam or neoprene.
• Motocross style “roost guards” unless with a specific back protector, not just a rear roost deflector.

2. Shoulder

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Outer shell must be constructed of a solid material e.g. Hard Shell Plastic.
• Can be stand alone shoulder protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.

Not permitted

• Soft protectors without solid inserts e.g. Not foam or neoprene.

3. Neck Brace

Requirements

• Self fastening- does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
• Leatt Brace style construction or similar