More Washington high schools using protective Guardian Caps. Will they be used in games?

Fans at high school football games in Washington might notice something new as early as this season: Guardian Caps, which are soft-shell pads that attach and cover the outside of a traditional football helmet.

Programs around the South Sound are using them for certain position groups during practices, like linemen and linebackers. Some programs are using them for all their players.

The caps are designed to absorb hits to the helmet and limit concussion and head injury risks. Criticism of long-term traumatic brain injury and CTE risk in American football has been loud in recent years.

During the offseason, the booster club for the Lakes High School football program purchased caps for the entire team, which usually has just over 100 kids any given year.

“We’re gonna require them for practices, jamborees, everything but games,” longtime Lakes coach Dave Miller said.

Miller said he’s open to players wearing them for games for the 2024 season and beyond, too, if they wish. In an email response to The News Tribune, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association spokesperson Sean Bessette said the caps are allowed in games.

“Per the NFHS’ rules, guardian caps are permitted for usage in both practices and games,” the WIAA statement reads. “The WIAA does not institute any additional policies pertaining to guardian caps/soft-shell caps over the helmet, and it is up to schools/school districts to determine usage.”

Coaches from Tumwater, Puyallup, Rochester, Rogers, Stadium, Mount Tahoma and Olympia high schools told the TNT their programs also use Guardian Caps during practices. The caps cost anywhere from $50 to $80 apiece, depending on the size of the order.

The NFL recently adjusted its rules to allow players the options of using Guardian Caps in games during the 2024 season. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was among the few players who have worn one this preseason.

“I’ll be fine if guys want to wear it during games,” Miller said. “We haven’t seen anybody use them in games yet, but everything trickles down. If kids start seeing (Seattle Seahawks receiver) DK Metcalf wearing his, they’ll want to wear theirs.”

The main two most common criticisms of the caps are that they can sometimes shift during play and that frankly, they just don’t look particularly attractive.

Ultimately, anything that helps make the game safer is fine with Miller, especially as a youth football coach who has to answer to concerned parents every year.

“I think five, six years ago, there was a realization that we’re heading in the wrong direction with our game,” he said. “I love all the recent improvements that make it safer than when I played, back in the ‘70s. We had the suspension helmets, we were taught to put our forehead into a guys’ chest. None of that was good. Hopefully this leads to more moms feeling good about it.”