Atlanta News First
July 30, 2024
Gwinnett County Public Schools bought concussion caps for its high schools’ tackle and flag football teams.
GCPS officials said the district is the first in Georgia and one of the few in the country to provide the protective caps , called Guardian Caps, for student-athletes at all of its high schools.
“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of student-athlete safety by introducing Guardian Caps in all of our high schools,” Jason Holcombe, GCPS director of athletics, said. “The well-being of our students is our top priority, and by investing in these advanced concussion caps, we are taking an important step in protecting them and ensuring they can continue participating in the sport they love safely.”
The Guardian Cap is used in many major college football programs nationwide, the school district said. The NFL mandated using the protective gear for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, during particular parts of team training camps, which resulted in a reduction in player concussions by 50%, according to the school district.
Guardian Sports, the creators of the protective gear, is located in Peachtree Corners. Holcombe said the company’s location is a bonus.