As awareness of concussions and the long-term impact of CTE grows, it has become clear that high school football players need enhanced safety measures. In response, the Red Bank Regional Football Parent Group and the Red Bank Regional Buc Backers have collaborated to invest in the safety of our football players. This past fall, the Red Bank Regional Board of Education approved a proposal to accept donations for the purchase of innovative protective gear: the Guardian Cap.

The Guardian cap, which retails between $70 and $100, is a foam-padded protective shell for football helmets. The plan is to provide each high school football player, regardless of grade or position, the opportunity to wear the cap during practice. The intention is to proactively find ways to keep the game safer for our kids.  Although the Guardian Cap does not prevent concussions and head related injuries, they are an additional layer of protection to help reduce impact.

The Caps are beginning to look more familiar as they have been used during NFL practices since 2022 for certain positions. However, in the fall of 2023 the NFL mandated Guardian Caps for all teams and all players — at all times — during practice.  You may have also seen some NFL players wear them during games.

When some of the parents with players on the team found out that these protective devices were available to High Schools, in partnership with the RBR Buc Backers, they took charge with fundraising activities and also with a few anonymous donors funded the entire purchase of 100 Guardian Caps.  “It was important to us to leave a legacy of safety while also supporting the latest technology available to our team. If it's good for the NFL, with professional athletes that know how to properly tackle, it has to benefit our high school level athletes just learning the game. Our kids deserve the same safety equipment as these high-level professionals,” said   Jennifer Borenius, one of the representatives of the Football parents.

Guardian Caps are currently worn by 300,000+ athletes nationwide to help reduce impact during practice. They are growing in use and are worn by 275+ colleges, 3,000+ high schools, over 750 youth programs, all 32 NFL Teams, as well as all 9 CFL Teams. 

When looking to evidence-based opinions, the Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodall stated, “We’re trying to take head contact out entirely in some fashions. The Guardian Cap has been a very important change for us as it’s shown to reduce impact. It has been very effective and reduced concussions by 52 percent.” 

Coach Fallon was thrilled when he learned of the purchase being made on behalf of the Red Bank Regional Program.  “The idea that we could be a leader in safety and encourage more kids to play the game of football makes me excited about the upcoming season.  We will have the opportunity to teach kids the right way to play the game, with the knowledge we are adding additional safety to the game that has become the industry standard.”  Coach Fallon believes other teams will follow suit.