Chase raised funds through his organization to fund a special test;
Rotational ResistanceTesting to be conducted on the turf field on Thursday, October 8, 2026
The Rotational Testing will be conducted by Sports Labs LLC who is experienced in these types of tests.
Sports Labs LLC performs these tests on artificial and turf surfaces to. measure grip return and ensure player safety.
GMAX TESTING @ FHS
Fletcher High School received a new turf field this 2026 school year. This was just one of the new renovations for the $1.3 million dollar project supported by the 1/2 cent sales tax Duval County voters approved in 2020.
Learning About Field Safety: GMAX Testing
Chase Tucker observed Gmax testing on September 18, 2026 at Fletcher High School's new synthetic turf field as part of his Play It Protect It athelete-safety project.
Gmax testing measures how well a playing surface cushions an impact. A specialized device drops a weighted test instrument onto different locations across the field and records how abruptly it stops. Higher Gmax readings indicate a harder impact.
Watching the testing gace Chase a firsthand look at how field conditions are measures and why ongoing testing matters as surfaces exprience use and weather. He is using what he learns to encourage awareness of field testing and contribute to player safety.
Media Coverage
Fletcher Senior Athlete Pushes for Safer Turf Fields
" After my ACL Injury, I wanted to contribute to player safety. Through Play it, Protect It, I raised funds for additional testing at Fletcher, and I'm grateful for the school's support." Chase Tucker 10/08/2026
Ask us how to have your school share this poster to generate awareness
& help protect
your athlete on the field!
"Yay!
Thank you so much! We’ve raised an incredible
$225!"
Help us raise funds to purchase & donate quality helmets to a local public high school sports team! It's easy!
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Skip cooking! Come out to Chipotle and pick up dinner
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Visit the Chipotle on ATLANTIC BLVD IN NEPTUNE BEACH
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Saturday, January 24, 2026
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Ironman Foundation Grant May 2026
After volunteering as Bike Aid Station Team Captain for the 1st ever Ironman in Jacksonville, Florida in May 2026 we were awarded a $1000 grant to Play it Protect it ORG!
It was a long day and over 12 hours of volunteer work in the hot sun, but we were able to help keep the bikers safe on the course and hydrated. We took pride in supporting helmet safety and being able to participate in an amazing part of Jacksonville's Firsts!
Our Mission
Play It Protect It exists to generate awareness of helmet safety in youth sports. We believe every child deserves the chance to play without preventable brain injuries. Through education, advocacy, and action, we promote TBI awareness, helmet safety, and the prevention of brain injuries in youth sports.
Awareness Campaign
Our goal is to raise enough funds to purchase 20-30 top quality helmets for a local high school sports team. in need. The school that demonstrates the highest need and interest in participating in our campaign will be selected from our application.
The identified sports team refers to football, lacrosse, or baseball.
Safety Education/Did you Know
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In the United States, there are as many as 3.8 million concussions that occur during competitive sports every year, and unfortunately, more than half (between 1.1 and 1.9) of these concussions occur in children. Concussions are a mild traumatic brain injury or “TBI” and can happen in almost any sport, at any moment. It happens when there is a physical blow or jolt to the head.
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Concussions results in more than 100,000 emergency department visits for school-aged children each year in the United States.
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Boys' sports account for 75% of all concussions, with football more than half of all concussions. Soccer had the most concussions among girls' sports.
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Girls may be at greater risk of concussion while playing soccer due to "heading" the ball, a lack of protective gear, and an emphasis on contact during the game, researchers have suggested. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887899415001800. Accessed September 2019. https://wwstarsportsmedicine.org/research/which-youth-sports-cause-the-most-concussions/. Accessed September 2019.
Advocacy Efforts
We advocate for policy changes that promote helmet usage in youth sports. By collaborating with sports organizations, we strive to create safer environments and regulations that protect young athletes everywhere.
Community Support
We engage the community through events focused on safety and prevention. By fostering a supportive network, we empower families and players to join us in raising awareness about helmet safety.