Two years have passed since Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, a running back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, became the first player in the CFL to don a Guardian Cap on his helmet during a game.
Although these soft shells are required during practices for various positions to lessen the force of tackles and hits on players’ heads, their use in actual games remains minimal within the Canadian professional league.
Their adoption in high school and youth leagues has also been slow.
Emerson, the son of Derek Hogelie, is the sole player on his Regina high school football team who wears a Guardian Cap during games.
Hogelie mentioned that his decision was personal. As a parent, he wanted to ensure his son’s safety, and it took little persuasion for Emerson to agree to wear the cap.
“He looks up to his NFL heroes, and he notices more of them using these caps. While they may not be as common on the field during games, they are frequently seen in practice. So, it wasn’t really a tough sell to him; he was fully on board,” Hogelie shared with CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
The unique and bulky design of the caps can be challenging to promote, particularly when no one else is using them, but Hogelie emphasized that safety took precedence for him and his son.
“We have redundancy in our bodies with two arms and two legs, but only one brain. That was the main point. If we can invest in a cap that costs about a tenth of the price of the helmet to provide extra protection, why wouldn’t we?” Hogelie stated.
Guardian Caps are required for the Saskatchewan Selects football team during both practices and games to ensure player safety. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
Following the implementation of mandatory caps for offensive and defensive linemen, as well as running backs and linebackers during practices and training camps, the CFL discovered a 42 percent reduction in concussions during the 2023 training camp.
Bertrand-Hudon mentioned to Blue Sky host Jennifer Quesnel that he noticed a difference while wearing the soft shell cap.
“When I make initial contact, I feel less recoil from the blunt force when I have it on,” Bertrand-Hudon remarked.
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Reducing injuries
A youth football program has mandated the use of caps for all players during practices and games.
The Saskatchewan Selects Football Club has required Guardian Caps for their players for the past three years.
“As an out-of-season developmental program, we aimed to reduce any potential injuries among the kids,” said Zeljko Stefanovic, director of the Saskatchewan Selects, during an interview with CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
Zeljko Stefanovic, director of the Saskatchewan Selects, emphasizes the importance of safety, especially since the Selects is a development program for players wishing to enhance their skills during the off-season. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
Stefanovic’s approach to safety encompasses more than just headgear.
He collaborates with Patrick Neary, a professor specializing in concussion research in the kinesiology and health studies department at the University of Regina, to ensure optimal safety for his football team.
“Zeljko has visited my office numerous times, expressing genuine concern for his players,” Neary stated to CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
Stefanovic is adopting a comprehensive strategy for preventing concussions and head injuries. With Neary’s assistance, he is instructing his players on how to tackle safely and avoid leading with their heads, which he believes is crucial for player safety.
“While my evidence is anecdotal, we have observed a decrease in reported concussions during our games,” Stefanovic shared.
He noted that while he receives some feedback from other coaches regarding the soft shells, the caps are beginning to influence other development programs seeking ways to ensure player safety.
Stefanovic mentioned that other coaches and parents have inquired about Guardian Caps, but widespread adoption among teams has yet to occur. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
According to Neary, the slow uptake of Guardian Caps in minor league football teams may be attributed to a lack of information and studies demonstrating their effectiveness.
“This is relatively new research, and we are just beginning to uncover more details about it,” Neary noted.
A father from Regina is taking additional measures to safeguard his son as he participates in high school football this year. His son is utilizing a Guardian cap over his helmet, and the father believes the added protection is a worthy investment as his son competes on the field.
Although the evidence surrounding the caps is largely anecdotal, Neary emphasized the importance of players wearing them to facilitate further data collection regarding their effects.
“If there is an opportunity to potentially lessen the impact of head injuries, that would be extremely beneficial for the players,” Neary concluded.
Lasting effects from injuries
A former high school football player expressed a desire for the resources and safety protocols utilized by the Saskatchewan Selects to have been available during his time playing.
Owen Chay had to stop playing football due to several head injuries, and he continues to experience lingering symptoms.
“I still experience brain fog often, and I frequently repeat information to others because I believe I have some form of short-term memory loss,” Chay shared with Blue Sky’s Janani Whitfield.
Chay noted that the look of the Guardian Caps might contribute to leagues’ reluctance to mandate their use during games.
“I think the appearance could lead some to view players as less tough,” Chay remarked.
However, for Chay, ensuring health and safety outweighs the desire to appear cool while playing sports.
“You have to protect yourself out there. There’s more to life than just football.”