It has been two years since Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, a running back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, made history as the first player in the CFL to don a Guardian Cap on his helmet during a game.
Although these soft protective shells are now mandatory during practices for various positions to help mitigate the risks of head impacts from tackles, their use remains limited during actual games within the Canadian professional league.
The trend is similarly absent in high school and youth football leagues.
Emerson, the son of Derek Hogelie, is currently the sole player on his Regina high school football team wearing a Guardian Cap during games.
Hogelie admitted that the decision was somewhat self-serving, as he wanted to ensure his son’s safety. However, it took little effort to persuade Emerson to choose the cap.
“He looks up to NFL players, and he’s noticed that many of them are wearing Guardian Caps. While they may not be seen as often on the field during games, they are prevalent in practice. So, I didn’t have to argue much with him; he was completely on board,” Hogelie shared with CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
The unique, bulky appearance of the caps may deter some players, particularly if they are the only one wearing it; nevertheless, Hogelie emphasized that safety took precedence for both him and his son.
“Our bodies are designed with redundancy—two arms, two legs—but only one brain. That was the main factor for us. If we can purchase a cap that costs about one-tenth of the helmet we bought, providing an extra layer of safety, why wouldn’t we?” Hogelie reasoned.
Guardian Caps are mandatory for the Saskatchewan Selects football team in practices and in games to make sure players stay safe. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
Following the implementation of mandatory caps for offensive and defensive linemen, running backs, and linebackers during training sessions and camps, the CFL observed a 42 percent reduction in concussions during the 2023 training camp.
Bertrand-Hudon shared with Blue Sky host Jennifer Quesnel that he noticed a significant difference when wearing the soft shell.
“The initial impact of the force, I feel less recoil when I have that on,” Bertrand-Hudon stated.
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Reducing injury risks
One youth football organization has made the use of caps compulsory for all players, in both training and games.
The Saskatchewan Selects Football Club implemented the requirement for Guardian Caps three years ago.
“Being an out-of-season development program, we aimed to ensure that we minimized any injury risks for the kids,” said Zeljko Stefanovic, director of the Saskatchewan Selects, in an interview with CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
Zeljko Stefanovic, director of the Saskatchewan Selects, emphasizes the importance of safety, particularly since the Selects function as a development program out of season for players aiming to enhance their skills. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
Stefanovic’s commitment to safety extends beyond just headgear.
He collaborates with Patrick Neary, a professor focused on concussion studies within the kinesiology and health studies department at the University of Regina, to ensure the highest safety standards for his team.
“Zeljko often visited my office, expressing deep concern for his players’ welfare,” Neary recounted during his conversation with CBC Saskatchewan’s Blue Sky.
Stefanovic mentioned that he is adopting a comprehensive strategy for preventing concussions and head injuries. With Neary’s assistance, he instructs his players on safe tackling techniques, emphasizing not to lead with their heads. He believes this method is effective in safeguarding players’ cognitive health.
“While my evidence is mostly anecdotal, we have indeed observed a decline in reported concussions during our games,” Stefanovic added.
He mentioned receiving feedback from other coaches regarding the soft shells, but primarily, interest in the caps is growing among other development programs seeking to enhance player safety.
Stefanovic noted that while other coaches and parents have inquired about the Guardian Caps, they have not yet become widely adopted among other teams. (saskselectsfb/Instagram)
According to Neary, a potential reason for the lack of widespread adoption of Guardian Caps in minor league football teams could be the insufficient information and research validating their effectiveness.
“This is very recent research, and we are just beginning to learn more about it,” Neary explained.
A Regina father is taking extra steps to help protect his son, who is playing high school football this year. His son is wearing a Guardian cap over his helmet, and the dad says the added protection is worth the investment as his son takes the field.
While the current evidence surrounding the caps may be mostly anecdotal, Neary emphasized the importance of players wearing them to accumulate more data regarding their effectiveness.
“If there’s an opportunity to lessen the impact to the head, that direct contact will be immensely beneficial for the player,” Neary stated.
Ongoing effects from injuries
A former high school football player expressed a desire for the safety measures and resources that the Saskatchewan Selects have now to have been available during his playing days.
Owen Chay had to stop playing football due to several head injuries, and he continues to experience lingering effects.
“I frequently experience brain fog and often find myself repeating things to others because I believe I suffer from some degree of short-term memory loss,” Chay shared with Blue Sky’s Janani Whitfield.
Chay mentioned that the appearance of the Guardian Caps might contribute to the reluctance of leagues to mandate their use during games.
“I think people might perceive you as soft based on how it looks,” Chay remarked.
Nevertheless, for Chay, the priority lies in health and safety over aesthetics while playing the game.
“It’s essential to protect yourself out there; there’s more to life than just football.”