“We’re excited to expand our focus on student-athlete safety with this partnership with Guardian Sports,” WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman said. “All students need a safe place to play, and as we ramp up our efforts this school year, it’s impossible to miss Guardian Sports’ proven impact on safety. We’re seeing schools begin to increase usage of Guardian Caps, and it’s exciting to see this safety evolution.”

With over 20 years of material science research and a passion for player safety, Guardian Sports have created high-tech, science-backed products designed to benefit athletes. Their expertise led them to create the Guardian Cap in 2010, the organization’s most popular product, a padded, soft-shell layer worn on the outside of football helmets.

Guardian Caps are permitted for usage in games and practices throughout the season, per the NFHS’ playing rules. The WIAA encourages schools and school districts to consult with their risk managers to determine usage, as the Association does not have additional policies regarding usage.

“We are thrilled to be the official football safety partner of the WIAA,” Guardian Sports Founder & CEO Erin Hanson said. “We look forward to working together to enhance player safety and continuing our commitment to high school athletes across the state of Washington.”

Used by over 500,000 youth, high school and college athletes nationwide and mandated by the NFL in contact practices, their soft-shell technology has addressed a need in the market for impact reduction. Guardian Caps are proven to reduce impact and preserve helmets, while also being light, easy to take on and off, and they fit helmets of all sizes.

For more information about Guardian Sport’s mission and products, please visit their website at guardiansports.com.