Push to require protective gear for high school footballers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — At Pilgrim High School in Warwick, football players wear helmet covers called “Guardian Caps” that help prevent concussions.

Rhode Island State Representative Joseph McNamara says he plans to introduce legislation this session that would require players at all Rhode Island high schools to wear the protective gear.

“Parents are concerned, and if we can make this sport safer, it will benefit everyone,” McNamara told NewsNation affiliate WPRI on Monday.

Blake Simpson is the head football coach at Pilgrim High School. He said the gear could help protect players and increase the team’s enrollment too.

Guardian Caps are pads the players wear over their helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries.

The company that makes the caps says on their website , “the NFL has mandated the use of Guardian Caps since the 2022 preseason. The league reported a 52% reduction in concussions for those positions during the mandated period versus the previous three-year average.”

NFL players now have the option to wear Guardian Caps during regular season games.

Simpson decided to order the protective gear for his players following the NFL’s decision.

“I think it’s great overall for the sport of football to help grow the game and make it safer, especially at practice,” Simpson said.

The legislation would require a graduated induction of the new equipment so that players already on a football team can opt out of the requirement if they choose.

The gear retails at around $70. McNamara, a former football player himself, said he is working on a legislative grant.

“There are other communities that are struggling and they also have football teams,” McNamara said. “I want to ensure that every students has access to [the gear].

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