(Greensburg, IN) – Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) is proud to announce its recent donation of Guardian Caps–a protective helmet cover designed to reduce the force of head impacts and minimize the risk of injuries–to South Decatur High School (SDHS) in support of the school’s football program.
This initiative emphasizes DCMH’s ongoing commitment to youth wellness, supporting local sports teams across Decatur County while promoting safe practices for student-athletes.
Guardian Caps are soft-shell attachments for football helmets that can reduce impact forces by up to 33%. These caps are already in use by over 5,000 high schools, 500 colleges, and all 32 NFL teams during practices, showcasing their widespread adoption at all levels of the sport. *
“Safety is a top priority for our student-athletes,” said Rodney Martin, Athletic Director and Football Coach of South Decatur High School. “We’re grateful to Decatur County Memorial Hospital for their generosity and support in enhancing our safety efforts—it shows our players that their well-being truly comes first.”
Under the leadership of Rodney Martin, SDHS’s football program continues to build momentum and pride. In the 2024 season, the Cougars posted 4–5 record, highlighted by a dominant 58–0 victory and a 42–0 shutout.
These wins reflect the team’s commitment to excellence on the field. Coach Martin’s focus on performance and player safety has helped shape a program grounded in discipline, development, and community support.
“Decatur County Memorial Hospital remains committed to supporting the health and safety of student-athletes in our community,” said Dr. Rajinder P. Singh, board-certified Neurologist at DCMH. “By helping South Decatur implement Guardian Caps, we’re taking a proactive step to reduce the risk of long-term injuries and support players’ well-being now and in the future.”
In addition to the donation of Guardian Caps, SDHS has been working to create a well-rounded experience for its athletes, emphasizing injury prevention, health education, and overall wellness. The Guardian Caps will be integrated into practices, game prep, and games to align with best practices for player safety.
“This is a meaningful investment in our youth,” said Rex McKinney, President and CEO of DCMH. “We’re proud to support South Decatur’s football program and its focus on performance and protection. These athletes represent the future of our community, and we’re committed to ensuring they can succeed in a safe, supportive environment.”
The implementation of Guardian Caps also aligns with broader efforts across the country to address the long-term effects of head impacts in sports. By adopting this innovative equipment, South Decatur is joining a nationwide movement to safeguard athletes while continuing to pursue excellence on the field.
“Decatur County Memorial Hospital’s support of South Decatur’s football program is another example of how we come together as a community to prioritize what matters most—our students,” said Amy Cockburn, Principal of South Decatur High School. “Their support reinforces our commitment to keeping student-athletes safe, supported, and ready to succeed.”
About Guardian Caps:
Guardian Caps are lightweight, impact-reducing helmet covers that attach to standard football helmets. They are designed to minimize the impact of helmet-to-helmet and helmet-to-body contact, helping reduce the risk of concussions and other head injuries. Their widespread adoption in high school, collegiate, and professional football underscores a growing emphasis on safety in the sport. *
DCMH is honored to support SDHS and remains committed to fostering health, safety, and opportunity for students in our community.
For more information, please contact the Marketing and Communications team at dcmh.marketing@dcmh.net.
*Source: Guardian Caps
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
