Football is always changing and trying to make the sport better and safer for the athletes.  This year Coach Pedersen, while on a coaching trip to the University of Alambama was introduced to the Guardian helmet.  The Guardian is designed to help limit the amount of contact with the football helmet and when it occurs to lessen the blow to the player.  

     Coach Pedersen then took the information and spoke to his helmet representative and gathered more information.  After speaking to other coaches who use the Guardian and speaking to coaches who do not, Coach Pedersen came up with a plan that he felt was best for Mount Vernon.

     20 Guardian helmets have been ordered and received for the 2017 football season.  The helmet coverings were purchased from the football fundraising budget and are now on the offensive linemen that were at the 7 on 7 session two weeks ago.  The other linemen will get the Guardian when practice begins on July 31st.

      "From the research I have done with several companies and professionals in the field I decided this year we will put the Guardians on our offensive linemen," Pedersen went on to say, "These Guardians are designed to protect the helmet from constant contact as well as lessen the impact on the players head.  The research indicated that these are not as effective for our skill players and actually could increase the amount of impact rather than lessen it.  This is a trial basis and at the end of the season we will evaluate how they performed during practice and what direction we will go after the season."  

     If you have any questions on the Guardian please feel free to visit their website.  Also if you have any questions don't hesistate to contact Coach Pedersen via email at lpedersen@mvcsd.org.

Guardian Caps