Safety is always a concern for players of contact sports. And to try and keep athletes safe from head injuries, the F-M Pop Warner football teams added a new accessory to this season's roster. Alana LaFlore shares how a helmet cap could protect players.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. -- Before they can hit the field, they have to suit up with cleats, pads and mouth guards.  And this year, Fayetteville-Manlius Pop Warner football players will also slip "Guardian Caps" over their helmets. 

"There's been a lot of concerns about concussions and injuries in recent years, particularly in football, and this is just one other accessory, a padding device that can help in that regard," said Scott Roe, president of the Fayetteville-Manlius Youth Football Association. 

The soft caps clip into place on top of the helmet. They can be quickly removed and easily washed with soap and water.  Players say that extra safeguard was a long time coming.

"I don't think the helmets are enough -- I think you need something to protect your head more," said Davey George, a 10-year-old who has been playing football half of his life. 

"I think they're very safe," said fifth grader Jack Dixon as he examined his Guardian Cap. "And it's better to be safe than just deck people."

Parents agree that using the caps is a smart move. 

"With any sport I think there is some level of concern as a parent for injury," said Chris Nucerino. "And if we can make it safer, that's always a concern relieved."

F-M's safety coordinator Dan Conley says while nothing will prevent head injuries entirely, the caps will help during head-to-head contact. 

"It's going to reduce the impact from the hard plastic shells, and now you have the softer padding for the helmets," said Dan Conley. "It's going to reduce that impact."

The Guardian Caps are just part of F-M's emphasis on teaching safety. 

"Folks in the past have always said keep your head down on the ball," said Roe. "Pop Warner and football in general is taking a change and a different attitude, where now it's more heads up football where we teach them to keep their head up and look out for their surroundings." 

The caps will only be worn during practice. But league officials say they hope regulations change to require the caps, or other new safety measures during games. 

The F-M Pop Warner teams bought the Guardian Caps through corporate sponsorship and fund raising. They won't cost families any additional fees.