Mandate the use of Guardian Caps in High School Football Games and Practices

 

The purpose of this bill is to prevent serious head injuries in high school football players by implementing the use of

Guardian Caps.

 

Over 23,000 high schoolers in Minnesota play football, and 6% of them get concussions in a single year. That’s roughly

1,500 people. The Guardian Cap reduces impact forces by 9-10% when one player wears it and about 20% when both players

do. One concussion could lead to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); a head injury caused by a sudden impact to the head that

affects how the brain functions. Many concussions or TBIs could lead up to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE); a

progressive degenerative brain disease that is caused by repetitive head injuries and causes long term brain issues.

 

Guardian Cap- a soft shelled outer layer on a football helmet used to reduce risks of head injury during contact

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)- a head injury caused by a sudden impact to the head that affects how the brain functions

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)- a progressive degenerative brain disease that is caused by repetitive head

injuries and causes long term brain issues

 

This act will be funded partly by implementing a grant program run by the Department of Education; $650,000 and partly

by increasing the participating cost in high school football by $20. If an athlete is unable to pay this amount, they

shall reach out to their school, who will provide financial aid. This act will also be made possible by hosting more

local fundraisers within each school throughout the school year.

 

If a school should be caught not using Guardian Caps in practice, they shall receive a $100 fine (per player); and $200

per player caught without in-game.

 

August 15, 2026; or whenever each high school starts practice.