Parent would like Haldane football to have caps
The deaths this month of prep football players in Alabama and West Virginia have brought attention to how best to protect players from head trauma.
Some area high school teams, such as Dover and O’Neill, provide players during practices and scrimmages with soft Guardian Caps that fit over their helmets to provide cushioning. But Haldane and Beacon do not use the caps, which cost $70 to $125 each and reduce the impact of hits by up to 33 percent, according to their manufacturer.
Tom Corless, whose sons Brody and Cooper play football for Haldane, said he is talking with the Cold Spring Fire Co. about a fundraiser to purchase caps for both the modified and varsity teams.
Tom Cunningham, Haldane’s athletic director, said the feedback he’s heard from players and coaches at schools who use the caps has been “overwhelmingly positive,” adding he will request funding for the caps as part of the next budget cycle.
According to Guardian Sport, its cap is used by more than 500 colleges, 5,000 high schools and every NFL team. The NFL mandates their use in contact practices, and some players wear them in preseason games.
Robert Zayas, the executive director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, said the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) allows the Guardian Cap but does not require it. “NFHS can’t say whether wearing the cap will void the manufacturer’s warranty on the helmet,” he said. “School districts need to be aware of that.”
The Haldane Football Association has been instrumental in helping to raise the funds for the Guardian Caps. A very generous donation from Legendary Detailing in Cold Spring allowed for raffles to be sold. Many in the community have also made donations. We are still collecting to purchase the caps for the boys. Please see the Haldane Football Association page on Facebook to buy a raffle or make a donation. Also, any Haldane football player can help you to purchase a raffle. Every little bit helps. Go Blue!
Does the district now carry an insurance policy in case of lifelong disability to students on team/visiting players/away games caused by artificial turf/sports injuries or caused during games, practices, or on school property? I addressed this at PTA when living there 2006-10.
I’m surprised, with all we know about head trauma, that football is still such a popular sport in high school. Having played the game, it is nothing but head trauma. No helmet can protect you from that. I say bring back rugby and lose the pads. [via Instagram]
We reported on this issue in 2022 and its effect on participation.