Charlotte Public Schools issued the following announcement on Aug 17.
In addition to their helmets, pads, and jerseys; Oriole football players are being handed a Guardian Cap
This is an exciting time of year. When football players across the state – at all levels – are handed equipment in preparation for the upcoming season. But in Charlotte, it’s a little different this year. In addition to their helmets, pads, and jerseys; the Orioles are being handed a strange-looking padded hat called a Guardian Cap.
A Guardian Cap is a pad designed to be worn over the player’s helmet during practice – reducing the force of impact up to 33%. While this makes the players look like a bunch of bobble heads, the equipment reduces the chance of concussions, or other injuries, caused by the helmets striking another player's body.
With substantial support of the Charlotte Athletic Boosters, and the team’s own fundraising efforts, Oriole coaches and school leadership made safety of the players a priority by investing in this equipment.
As explained by Varsity coach Mike Sparks, “The safety of our young men is a priority in Charlotte. Not every high school is making this commitment to player safety but when we looked at the benefits, it was an easy choice.”
While this is an important decision, it is a commitment of funds that cannot be used to support the program in other ways. To fill this void, community members are asked to donate to show their support if they are able.
You can show your support by contacting the boosters at charlotteathleticboosters@gmail.com.
Original source can be found here.
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