Latest on IPC standards for body protectors & hats/helmets.

HATS STANDARDS 2025:

Protective Headgear must meet one of the following standards:

PAS 015 2011 onwards with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark.

VG1 01.040 2014-12 with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark.

ASTM F1163: 2004a and subsequent updates. 

Snell E2016 (Snell combines a standard with subsequent quality testing, therefore no additional quality testing mark is required)

AS/NZS 3838 (2006 and any subsequent updates)

Body Protectors– Correctly fitted (2cm below rib cage) must be worn for cross country training & competition. BETA Level 3 2018 with a turquoise label compulsory for Cross Country. Air jackets must only be used in addition to a normal body protector. They must not be worn under any item of clothing, and number bibs should fit loosely or with elasticated fastenings over the air jacket. 

NB: Body protector rules were updated in 2024. Only turquoise labels will be accepted, see image below. The purple labels will no longer be allowed.