In the Fall 2025 season, RYFA will be offering Guardian Caps that can be rented for the season. 

What is the purpose of a Guardian Cap? The Guardian Cap was created to bring a soft padded layer to the outside of hard-shell helmets. They are also designed to move independently of the helmet below, allowing for forces to be redirected around the head. Lighter-colored Guardian Caps also reduce radiant heat by up to 20°F. Lastly, the coefficient of friction of a Guardian Cap is less than that of a hard-shelled helmet, allowing for less grab.

Physics say that an outer “soft” material of the proper density, stiffness and energy absorbing properties reduces the initial severity of the impact. The hard shell then has lower forces transmitted to it, and in turn conveys lower forces to the interior soft helmet padding and then lower forces to the head. Very similar to a NASCAR driver and the soft wall technology that tracks have adopted or even automobiles and the soft bumpers and airbags that are now required. The Guardian Cap serves the same purpose for an athlete—a soft shell barrier between it and impact.

We have heard stories of reduced impact to ribs, QB hands, OL fingers, knees, heads, etc.  The Guardian Cap reduces the impact of constant hits in practice.

The Guardian Cap is one-size-fits-all. The elastic attachment straps stretch to fit all sizes, makes, and models of helmets. The straps pull through the facemask and attach back to themselves. 

Guardian Caps weigh about 7 ounces, making them extremely lightweight for players.

You can sign up for your player to rent a Guardian Cap during the registration process.  The rental fee for the season is $25.00. If you do not turn  your Guardian Cap in by 10/26/25 you will be invoiced for an additional $25.00. 

Financial Aid discounts do not apply to Guardian Cap rental fees.