The Lancaster County (Pa.) School District purchased 605 Guardian Caps for the district's middle and high school football players.
The Guardian Cap is a lightweight, soft-shell piece that covers the outside shell of a football helmet. The caps lessen the impact of hits to the head and reduce concussions.
A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin found that high school football players who wore Guardian Caps experienced a 28% reduction in concussion rates, compared to those who did not.
Buford High athletic director Jaybe Shackleford was excited to learn that the district had purchased the Guardian Caps.
“It’s going to limit concussions and help with recovery,” Shackleford told The Lancaster News. “It’s going to play a big part in keeping our kids safe.”
School board chairman Brad Small said he thinks Lancaster County is the first district in Pennsylvania to use the Guardian Caps during football practices.
“We’re taking our kids’ safety seriously. That’s our No. 1 concern. Everyone says football is the most violent sport, so we’re doing something about it. We’re trying to put pressure on other school districts to do this,” Small said.
The NFL expanded its Guardian Cap mandate once again for the 2024 season to include more positions, as well as giving players the option to the wear the protective headgear in game.
Since the 2022 season, the NFL has mandated the use of the Guardian Cap in practices, but for the 2024 season, defensive backs and receivers have joined the list of positions required to wear Guardian Caps for all contact practices through the post season. Positions mandated to wear the Guardian Cap now include: OL, DL, LB, DB, TE, RB, FB, WR.
