Guardian Cap

By Beau Rugg on 03 September 2026

The Guardian Cap or any other soft helmet cover in football is not required equipment by rule. The NFHS has interpreted that tackling an opponent by grasping the Guardian Cap or any other soft helmet cover is not a foul. Also, if the Guardian Cap or any other soft helmet cover comes off during play, it is not a foul. Play is not stopped if the Guardian Cap or soft helmet cover comes off during a live ball.