The Canadian Football League, in consultation with its medical committee, will implement numerous health and safety measures this season, including the mandatory wearing of Guardian helmet covers for certain players during training camps and for all training sessions. contact practice during the regular season.
In a press release issued Tuesday morning, league officials said they will mandate this new piece of equipment in 2023 for offensive and defensive linemen, running backs and linebackers.
Players playing in other positions may choose to wear the helmet cover, but are not required to do so.
The Guardian Helmet Cover is a padded shell that attaches to the outside of the helmet, the statement said.
According to the CFL, research has shown that when worn by a player, the helmet cover reduces the severity of impact by at least 10%.
This percentage increases to at least 20% when both players wear it.
“Our players are the greatest ambassadors for our sport, both on and off the field,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “We must continue to adopt new equipment, new technologies and best practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally capable of having a long and successful career. »
“As our players develop through better nutrition, better training regimes and a clearer understanding of the human body, our football evolves too. As a League, we must follow this evolution and work with our players to create an environment that is exciting and competitive, but also safe,” Ambrosie also said.
Facilitate medical examinations
In addition, starting this season, clubs will have folding tents near their benches in order to carry out assessments or medical examinations. The tents create a distraction-free environment to ensure exams are conducted thoroughly, while ensuring player privacy.
Tents will be visible near each club’s benches at all matches, but will only be deployed when needed.
Also, the CFL has made changes to pre-game medical meetings. In addition to medical personnel, pre-match meetings will include representatives of key stakeholders including, but not limited to, security personnel, stadium operations personnel and presentation of matches.
In the event of a medical emergency, medical personnel and those of key stakeholders will thus be well coordinated to expedite the delivery of care to those affected, the CFL said.