Protection Policy

Aug 26, 2019

DHI PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS 

JUNIOR – U15/17 (INCLUDES U13, U14, U15, U17 SCHOOL GRADES)

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

The following items are mandatory:Full Face Helmet – Any 1 or 2-Piece helmet with approved Safety Certification (see below) is permitted

  • ‘Enduro Style’ 2 Piece helmets with removable Chin-bar are permitted if they meet the approved Safety Certification below. Note the Chin-bar must be attached any time the rider is on course
  • Approved Safety Certification standards are: ASTM-F1952 (ASTM for DH), UN/ECE Reg No. 22, AS 1698, NZ5430, British standard BS 6658 or Japanese standard T8133
  • Other 2 piece helmets are not permitted as they do not meet these Safety certifications and the chin bar has not been designed to replicate the level of protection offered by a traditional full-face helmet.
  • If you are unsure whether your particular helmet meets the required standard, please consult your helmet manufacturer’s information.

Neck Brace 

  • Leatt (leatt.com) or similar to work in conjunction with the Full Face Helmet.

Elbows/Forearms

  • Elbow protectors (regardless of the length of shirt) with the following properties:
  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body
  • Can be standalone elbow protectors or as part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Can be elbow only or combined elbow/forearm protection.

Knee/Shin

  • Knee protectors (regardless of the length of short/pant) with the following properties:
  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body.
  • Can be standalone leg protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Can be one piece knee/shin protectors or separate knee and shin padding.

The following items are highly recommended:Spinal

  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body
  • Cover full length of back (spine) from between shoulder blades to tail bone
  • Can be fully, partially or non-articulated in design
  • Can be standalone back protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest.
  • Motocross style “roost guards” are NOT PERMITTED unless with a specific back protector, not just a rear roost deflector.

Shoulder

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

Hands

  • Full finger gloves

SENIORS – U19, ELITE, MASTERS (INCLUDES U20 SCHOOL GRADES)

Guiding Principle: All equipment used should have been designed and sold with the express purpose of being used as protective sports clothing. The following items are mandatory:Full Face Helmet

  • Any 1 or 2-Piece helmet with approved Safety Certification (see below) is permitted
  • ‘Enduro Style’ 2 Piece helmets with removable Chin-bar are permitted if they meet the approved Safety Certification below. Note the Chin-bar must be attached any time the rider is on course
  • Approved Safety Certification standards are: ASTM-F1952 (ASTM for DH), UN/ECE Reg No. 22, AS 1698, NZ5430, British standard BS 6658 or Japanese standard T8133
  • Other 2 piece helmets are not permitted as they do not meet these Safety certifications and the chin bar has not been designed to replicate the level of protection offered by a traditional full-face helmet.
  • If you are unsure whether your particular helmet meets the required standard, please consult your helmet manufacturer’s information.

Elbows/Forearms

  • Long sleeve jersey giving at least ¾ arm cover, preferably to the wrist, OR:
  • Short sleeve jerseys worn with elbow protectors with the following properties
  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body
  • Can be standalone elbow protectors or as part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest
  • Can be elbow only or combined elbow/forearm protection
  • Short sleeved jerseys (elbow and above), when worn without elbow protection are NOT PERMTITED

Knee/Shin

  • Long leg pants giving full cover to the ankle, OR:
  • Short leg pants worn with knee protectors with the following properties:
  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body
  • Can be standalone leg protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest
  • Can be one piece knee/shin protectors or separate knee and shin padding
  • Short leg pants (above ankle), when worn without knee protectors re NOT PERMITTED

The following items are highly recommended:Spinal

  • Self-fastening – does not require auxiliary fastening devices to secure to the body
  • Cover full length of back (spine) from between shoulder blades to tail bone
  • Can be fully, partially or non-articulated in design
  • Can be standalone back protectors or part of a protective suit e.g. full body, half body or vest
  • Motocross style “roost guards” are NOT PERMITTED unless with a specific back protector, not just a rear roost deflector.

Shoulder

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

Neck Brace

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

Hands

  • Full Finger Gloves