August 22, 2024
MONROEVILLE, Pa. —
The NFL took the lead, allowing players to wear helmet covers, such as Guardian Caps, to reduce the risks of concussions on the football field.
Some youth flag and tackle teams are now doing the same, as well as high school football teams.
“We use the Guardian Caps just as an extra level of protection for our kids,” said Eric Cardwell, senior athletic trainer at AHN and North Hills High School Eric Cardwell said. “No product is 100% foolproof or can truly prevent an injury, but it just adds one more layer of protection that we really like to have for our kids.”
Cardwell said North Hills players wear the caps at practice. He works with athletes to prevent injuries and recognizes concussion symptoms.
“It affects them physically where they actually have physical symptoms where there is actually something wrong with them. It affects them emotionally where they just feel in an altered state,” he said.
In the Gateway School District, athletic director Don Holl said the helmet covers are permitted in high school games but at this point are not required. He’s hoping all kids can have them in the near future.
“This is somebody’s child, and we’re going to take the best care of them that we can. And if we have proven science, and certainly proven products that are going to help prevent injuries, we’re all about getting the best equipment on our athletes in every sport,” Holl said.
He was informed that helmet covers by Guardian Caps and SAFR Pro Tech are legal equipment under the National Federation of State High School Associations rules. That means there’s a possibility you could see the caps during Friday night lights.
Holl said if caps are required they would most likely be covered under an approved budget.