These protective paddings were made in 2003 and show the innovative design and construction used in the production of protective sports gear and reflect an increasing understanding of the biomechanics of the body when playing sport.

The wearing of protective equipment to prevent injury when playing and practising sport is increasing. The use of protective equipment is mandatory in many sports such as cricket and baseball and voluntary in sports such as rugby. Protective equipment ranges from headguards, eyewear and mouthguards to shin padding, gloves and genital protectors. In 2003 it was claimed that an increased use of padding was leading to more injuries in sports such as rugby which led to a debate over the use of protective sports equipment. The official rules of rugby league state that "protective clothing may be worn provided it contains nothing rigid or of a dangerous nature".

Rugby league and union players wear little padding despite the intense physical contact of their games. The tough men of league do don a pad such as this one to protect shoulders, collarbone and connecting joints, biceps and sternum. The design keeps the arms free to pass and tackle.

The design of these products has gradually progressed and manufacturers are continuously looking for ways to improve protective equipment and make them more flexible, protective and lighter.

This chest padding was displayed in the 'Sport: more than heroes and legends' exhibition (September 2003 - July 2004) as part of a suite of protective sports equipment.
Written by Erika Dicker
Assistant Curator, 2007.

The shoulder and chest padding was made by Madison Sport Pty Ltd in China in 2003. Madison Sport Pty Ltd is an Australian company that specialises in protective sporting equipment. They are based in Queensland.

The padding is typical of the modern design with particular attention to protection of shoulder frame including clavicle, biceps and sternum. A unique action-back design provides maximum comfort with optimum freedom of movement.

This chest padding was displayed in the 'Sport: more than heroes and legends' exhibition (September 2003 - July 2004) as part of a suite of protective sports equipment.

Shoulder and chest protective padding, with packaging, polyester / foam / velcro, made by Madison Sport Pty Ltd, China, 2003

This shoulder and chest padding is blue and black fabric EVA foam padding with padded sections along the shoulders, sternum and upper arms and velcro straps for attachment. The text 'Madison' and 'Dominator' are across the chest area. It is a size large.

There is also packaging for this object which consists of a clear plastic bag with an inserted colour printed cardboard label.

Made: Madison Sport Pty Ltd; China; 2003

Two white fabric labels inside centre back neck 'L/CHINA', 'DISCLAIMER...'. Colour printed label of packaging has a photograph of item on a half mannequin, product information and 'SPORT MADISON SPORT...DOMINATOR/PROTECTIVE PADDING SYSTEM', on the reverse is the same photograph and a graphic showing the fitting features, size information and a barcode.

2007/178/5

2003

400 mm

830 mm

130 mm