[cardcrimson]

Dumb question: If they're helpful, why not wear them in games? Who cares if the helmet logos wouldn't look as great? I know another thing that's bad for football's brand - concussions and CTE.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Easy answer. My daughter is a budding water polo goalie and had her first concussion from a ball to the head about five months ago. She refuses to wear any protective gear in practice cause it makes her look dopey. Most of her coaches turn a blind eye. Another one of her coaches (though haven't seen him with the club team for awhile) mandates his high school goalies wear a protective cap. He told me the goalies face relentless ridicule from their teammates, but he still enforces it. Good for him! 

And for the answer. . . mandate it. Kids won't listen to their parents and only occasionally to their coaches.

And to think this is from a conservative/libertarian. . ..

[cardcrimson]

Dumb question: If they're helpful, why not wear them in games? Who cares if the helmet logos wouldn't look as great? I know another thing that's bad for football's brand - concussions and CTE.

Exactly what I was thinking.

Easy answer. My daughter is a budding water polo goalie and had her first concussion from a ball to the head about five months ago. She refuses to wear any protective gear in practice cause it makes her look dopey. Most of her coaches turn a blind eye. Another one of her coaches (though haven't seen him with the club team for awhile) mandates his high school goalies wear a protective cap. He told me the goalies face relentless ridicule from their teammates, but he still enforces it. Good for him! 

And for the answer. . . mandate it. Kids won't listen to their parents and only occasionally to their coaches.

And to think this is from a conservative/libertarian. . ..