Citizen, Scholar, Steward

KCD Football program enhances safety of athletes with purchase of new Guardian Cap helmet covers

KCD Varsity Football Head Coach, Matthew Jones recently announced an exciting and unprecedented move to purchase Guardian Cap helmet covers for every football player on the Varsity, JV, and middle school teams. 
“Player safety has been, and will always be, our top priority,” stated Coach Jones. “We have dedicated enormous thought and resources to ensuring that KCD is a state and national leader in player safety in all aspects of the game.”

The lightweight Guardian Caps are engineered soft-shell pads made of advanced materials that universally attach to the outside of all helmet sizes. According to the manufacturer, the current version:
  • Reduces impact during practice by up to 33%;
  • Dampens sound waves and vibrations;
  • Creates substantially less surface friction than painted shells so that blows glance off while being dampened; and
  • Reduces static helmet heat by up to 15-20 degrees.
“This major acquisition, the first of its kind to cover all player positions at the high school or any level, is a testament to our continued effort to lead in player safety at the state, regional, and national levels,” stated Coach Jones.

In late March, the NFL mandated the use of Guardian Cap helmet covers for a limited number of positions during training camps.  These helmet covers are also currently used by approximately 50-60 Division 1 college football programs for pre-season training, but by only a handful of high school varsity teams across America.

In addition to the new Guardian Caps, the KCD Football program previously instituted several other major safety initiatives including:
  • Purchasing the most advanced head protection gear available for our Varsity players, the VICIS 01, 02, and Trench helmets (worn in the NFL and only by a limited number of college programs) – the first Kentucky school at any level to do so; 
  • Adopting Rugby-style tackling at all levels, which is intended to limit head contact and help prevent injuries (as introduced by the Seattle Seahawks);  
  • Instituting no ground tackling during regular practices once the season begins;
  • Forming a special Player Safety Committee made up entirely of interested football parents who help research and guide our safety protocols; and
  • Partnering with Norton Sports Health to provide a dedicated professional trainer for the Football program and IMPACT testing for all athletes in the preseason.
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    • KCD football players wearing Guardian Cap helmet covers

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4100 Springdale Road • Louisville, KY 40241 • (502) 423-0440 • Fax (502) 423-0445
Kentucky Country Day School is a private JK–12, coeducational school located on a spacious 80+ acre campus in Louisville, KY. KCD combines a rigorous academic program with a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular programs. Our outstanding faculty creates an intimate learning environment that is both challenging and supportive.