Are Guardian caps “helmets?”

[Bobref]

The official interpretation is “no.” So, if the cap comes off the runner, the ball remains alive. If it comes off another player, he can continue to participate without penalty. Think of it more like a towel, i.e., a legal accessory. If a player loses a cap, however, he has to come out to re-apply it. Or, he can play without.

[refabee]

Question on that. If the "cap" comes off during the play, why do they have to come out to re-apply it? is it not similar to the jersey coming off the shoulders pads? Player or someone else just pulls it back to correct.

[Bobref]

1 hour ago, refabee said:

Question on that. If the "cap" comes off during the play, why do they have to come out to re-apply it? is it not similar to the jersey coming off the shoulders pads? Player or someone else just pulls it back to correct.

I believe the idea is that replacing the Guardian cap involves more than simply tugging a sleeve over an exposed pad. But to be honest, I wouldn’t know. I have no experience with Guardian caps.

[First_Backer_Inside]

It does take a little bit to get them back on with the straps and snaps that need to be run through the facemask. My guess is with my little bit of experience with them, if the cap comes off of a player's helmet, a couple straps probably broke, and the player would need a new cap anyway. 

[refabee]

Makes sense, I don't have any experience with those "caps" so was wanting some clarification. Thanks!