OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) today announced an agreement to fund $855,657 in sports medicine and concussion research. More than 85 percent of this total $727,669 specifically will focus on research to reduce athlete concussion, which is a cornerstone of NOCSAE's mission.

The NOCSAE board finalized the research funding agreement on Jan. 26, during the conclusion of the winter board meeting in Phoenix, Ariz.

NOCSAE approved $358,869 for the continued funding of three 2012 concussion-specific research grants. In addition the board tentatively approved $496,788 in new research grants, with $368,800 of that total focusing on concussion research.

"Scientific research is essential to advancing the safety of athletes of all ages and effectively addressing the issue of sports concussions," said Mike Oliver, NOCSAE executive director. "The approved research grants will support some of the top scientists and researchers in the world, and will continue to inform and evolve NOCSAE athletic equipment standards."

NOCSAE is an independent and nonprofit standard-setting body that aims to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for protective equipment. The organization is the leading nongovernmental source for concussion-specific research funding in sports medicine and science. Since 1995 NOCSAE has devoted more than $7 million toward research by the foremost experts in sports medicine and science to develop and advance athlete safety.

More information on the 2013 grant recipients can be found at http://www.nocsae.org in the coming weeks.

About NOCSAENOCSAE, the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, is an independent and nonprofit standard-setting body with the sole mission to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for protective equipment. Formed in 1969, NOCSAE is a leading force in the effort to improve athletic equipment and, as a result, reduce injuries. NOCSAE efforts include the development of performance and test standards for football helmets, gloves and facemasks, baseball and softball batter's and catcher's helmets, baseballs and softballs, ice hockey helmets, soccer shin guards, lacrosse helmets and facemasks and polo helmets. NOCSAE is comprised of a board of directors representing stakeholders from a number of groups including consumer and end users, equipment manufacturers and reconditioners, athletic trainers, coaches, equipment managers, and academic and sports medicine associations. These diverse interests have joined forces in an attempt to arrive at a common goal of reducing sports-related injuries. NOCSAE is a nonprofit, charitable organization supported by individuals and organizations with an interest in athletics. For more information, please visit http://www.nocsae.org.

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NOCSAE Agrees to Fund More Than $855,000 in Sports Medicine and Concussion Research