Founded in 2011 by Erin and Lee Hanson, veterans in material science, Guardian has redefined athletic protection through innovation and engineering.

The Guardian Cap, launched in 2012, is worn by over 500,000 athletes and mandated by the NFL and CFL after proving its ability to reduce impact forces. Building on that success, Guardian introduced the SoftShox Chinstrap in 2025, the first safety chinstrap engineered to absorb facemask impacts.

In lacrosse, the PEARL line revolutionized the game with the first greaseless, USA-made lacrosse balls that stay in spec. PEARLs are the official ball of top leagues and tournaments, from the PLL to NCAA championships.

Expanding from players to playing fields, Guardian developed a USDA-certified bio-based infill and the Astropad underlayment, creating safer, cleaner turf systems nationwide.

The LOOP, developed with Schutt, brings the same protection to flag football and non-helmeted sports.

From helmets to fields, Guardian continues to innovate with one mission in mind: safer equipment for athletes at every level.

Southern Maryland Youth Flag Football League