CFL Expands Mandate for 2024 Season & Permits Guardian Caps in Games

The CFL has announced an expansion of its Guardian Caps mandate for the 2024 season, now including defensive backs and wide receivers. Since 2023, the league has required the use of Guardian Caps during contact practices. Due to their effectiveness, players are now permitted to wear Guardian Caps during games for the 2024 season if they choose. “For all they do, we owe it to them to explore every avenue to safeguard their efforts on the field, so that they can play to their fullest potential and also lead rich and fulfilling lives after their playing days are behind them.” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Players give so much of themselves for our game – their effort, energy, time spent away from family and loved ones, and more.”

“The Canadian Football League (CFL) will introduce several new initiatives, and enhance existing practices, in a continued effort to support the health and safety of its players in 2024.”

“Players wishing to use the caps during games will be permitted, following a directive set forth last month by the NFL. According to the CFL, the introduction of Guardian caps and other measures led to a 42 percent decrease in training camp concussions. But there will be no such choice regarding the use of mouthguards, which are now mandatory. “

“At first, it was the offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and receivers wearing the caps but now that has been expanded to defensive backs, receivers, quarterbacks and specialists during contact practices. Any one of those players can now opt to wear the added protection in a game.”

“Through additional equipment, education, training, and staffing, we are helping to ensure our players have long and productive careers,” stated CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Players give so much of themselves for our game – their effort, energy, time spent away from family and loved ones, and more.”

“For all they do, we owe it to them to explore every avenue to safeguard their efforts on the field, so that they can play to their fullest potential and also lead rich and fulfilling lives after their playing days are behind them.”

“The CFL mandated the use of Guardian caps last year during training camp and all contact practices during the regular season. Their use was required by all offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and linebackers — and Wednesday that was expanded to also include defensive backs and receivers.”

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