These are the new NFL bubble helmets called Guardian Cap which were introduced in recent years to reduce the risk of head injuries (concussions and trauma ) during training.it is a soft-shell padding worn over the helmet. This additional layer absorbs the impact from head-to-head collisions, reducing the potential force transmitted to the head and brain.
According to the research, if both players wear the guardian cap, The impact is decreased by 20% and 10 % when only one player wears it
The Rise of the Guardian Cap
The new mushroom caps idea was first innovated and introduced in 2010 to reduce the most terrible head injuries like concussions in football, concussions are a growing problem in the NFL, Doctor reports say, that after this injury, it will stay with the player’s health for a long time, the player also face the mental issue like depress,self-fear and another neurological issue.
Now this Guardian cap is mandatory for some specific positions like offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends, during training camp practices.
Recent years’ data said that its popularity growing day by day most of the players like to wear it.
in 2022, it was the first time in NFL all 32 NFL teams wore the guardian cap, All offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers were required to wear the padded shell on their helmets until the second season.
The Data said that it was an amazing result compared to the 2018, 2019, 2021. The concussions are reduced by up to 50% with the Guardian cap.
The Ongoing Battle with Head Injuries
Head injuries have cast a long shadow on the NFL in history, 200 injuries were reported in the 2022 season which is a huge number, with some researchers saying the number could be higher as there has been no proper report yet.
A recent study revealed that former NFL players are affected by Alzheimer’s disease which is 3 times more than general people if the player is affected by a head concussion for a long period. it can lead to memory problems, depression, chronic pain, and even dementia
The football association and advanced technology also take various initiatives to prevent head injuries. NFL rule changes include penalties for illegal hits, a focus on proper tackling techniques, and limits on full contact.
This technology provides impact sensors for rapid injury detection and sideline concussion assessment tools to help the head remain protective.
The Educational programs are aware of the player coaches and medical staff to conduct concussion identification, diagnosis, and management. properly.
What Are the Benefits of Guardian Cap?
REDUCES IMPACT
it reduces the impact of head-to-head collisions by up to 30% in the Guardian XT mode and 10% for the Guardian NXT model and it also decreases the risk of concussions and other kinds of head injuries.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
This Guardian cap easily fits all types, sizes, and shapes of football and lacrosse helmets. its design makes it a versatile solution for all levels of the game and ages as an extra padding addon.
PRESERVES HELMET
it protects the helmet surface from scratches and tears, o the other hand, we can also say, it saves money from repainting, and stickering during the training.
EASY ON, EASY OFF
Its fitting process is very easy just put on the helmet and tighten the snaps and Velcro. it does not require any other things to adjust and customize.
REDUCED NOISE
it helps to reduce the noise during head-to-head collision.
INSULATES
it is made of Closed-cell polyurethane foam and Spandex fabric that works like water waterproof and heat protectant, the guardian sports claim ,it reduce the temperature upto 20 degree
Why doesn’t the NFL use Guardian Caps during Games?
NFL is a high-impact game so, it never allows any third-party safety equipment including a guardian cap in the game, The association always prioritizes the player’s safety. Here is more information on why NFL players do not wear guardian caps.
Effectiveness: There are different steps taken in football in history to protect the head from different injuries. Reputable brands are always testing and adding various features to reduce the impact and create the most advanced products.
If we talk about the Guardian Cap, it is the most recently launched product with which the football player does not have much experience, trusting too early on a new product may not give better results. Some studies state that it performed well in training and practice matches, but since training and actual match tackles are very different, it has not been properly adopted by leagues as well as individual players.
Break The unity of the team: Each Team has its own uniform identity that represents the team, the Guardian cap shape and design do not allow for printing and creating designs on the helmet, Most of the teams use their country flag and different stickers to represent the team and unique identity.
Rules and Regulations: According to the NFL, all football equipment including the Guardian Cap must meet the safety standards maintained by the NFL, must not compromise the integrity of the game, and must follow the required testing, procedures, and steps.
It is a big challenge for the NFL to allow Guardian Cap if it does not perform well and players also suffer injuries after using this product.
Research and testing: The product is now under research and testing in the lab, The Company invests money to improve more features and protection to maintain safety standards.
Conclusion
No doubt, concussions are a big issue in American football and it can be reduced by 50% by the guardian cap. All football associations and coaches know player safety is more important. According to all preseason data, it performs very well.NFL also expanded its usage for 2023. According to Guardian Sport, This cap is worn by 300+ colleges, 3000+ high schools, 750+ youth programs, All 32 NFL Teams, and All 9 CFL Teams
So its popularity will increase in the upcoming year with the company: ‘s latest version
