Abstract: A protective head apparatus that includes a hard, impact resistant outer body portion having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. A padding layer, forming a cushioning element, is coupled to the concave inner surface of the outer body portion. Appropriate attachment structure is provided for mounting the head covering to conventional headwear, including one or more raised bridge structures that are integrally formed with the convex outer surface of the body portion. The outer body portion of the protective head apparatus is sized to seat exclusively over the posterior portion of the wearer's head.