SPOKANE, Wash. — High school football coaches across the region are increasingly turning to Guardian Caps, padded helmet covers that promise to reduce head impacts, even as new research questions their effectiveness in preventing concussions.

The soft, approximately inch-thick covers clip onto traditional football helmets and have become a common sight on practice fields and in games. At West Valley High School, players are required to wear them during practice, though they can opt out if they want. The school says so far none have.

Craig Whitney, head football coach at West Valley High, adopted the Guardian Caps after learning about their potential to improve player safety.

"I think if we could save one kid in practice, or in a game, it's well worth it," Whitney said.

The trend extend

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