How should my child's helmet fit, and how often should it be replaced?

Q: How should my child's helmet fit, and how often should it be replaced?

Appendix 1 of the National Gear Rules says: Fit: the helmet should fit snugly but comfortably and sit low at the front to protect the forehead. With a correctly adjusted harness, you cannot remove the helmet, or roll it backward or forward to expose the forehead, obscure vision or hit the nose. If the skin on the forehead moves with the helmet, the fit is correct; if not, the helmet is too loose. Tie hair up so it does not get in the face. Gear check: stewards may ask the rider to demonstrate fit by placing one hand on top of the helmet and moving it side to side and back and forwards. Replacement: helmets should be replaced every five years. After a hard-blow impact accident it is recommended to replace the helmet immediately, regardless of age, because there may be damage not visible to the naked eye. Tags: helmet tags on the harness showing the helmet is within date are permitted, but they do not replace a physical inspection by a gear checker. Stickers: helmets must not have aftermarket decals, as they can affect the safety construction. Covers and peaks: helmet covers should be in registered Club or Zone colours (pom poms permitted). Peaks can be fixed or detachable, and detachable sunshades and brims must be in neutral colours. Source: Pony Club Australia National Gear Rules, effective 1 January 2026 (1.14, 1.15 and Appendix 1).

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Accepted Answer

Appendix 1 of the National Gear Rules says:

Fit: the helmet should fit snugly but comfortably and sit low at the front to protect the forehead. With a correctly adjusted harness, you cannot remove the helmet, or roll it backward or forward to expose the forehead, obscure vision or hit the nose. If the skin on the forehead moves with the helmet, the fit is correct; if not, the helmet is too loose. Tie hair up so it does not get in the face.
Gear check: stewards may ask the rider to demonstrate fit by placing one hand on top of the helmet and moving it side to side and back and forwards.
Replacement: helmets should be replaced every five years. After a hard-blow impact accident it is recommended to replace the helmet immediately, regardless of age, because there may be damage not visible to the naked eye.
Tags: helmet tags on the harness showing the helmet is within date are permitted, but they do not replace a physical inspection by a gear checker.
Stickers: helmets must not have aftermarket decals, as they can affect the safety construction.
Covers and peaks: helmet covers should be in registered Club or Zone colours (pom poms permitted). Peaks can be fixed or detachable, and detachable sunshades and brims must be in neutral colours.

Source: Pony Club Australia National Gear Rules, effective 1 January 2026 (1.14, 1.15 and Appendix 1).