Abstract: Novel devices and methods for covering underground sprinkler heads installed on golf courses and other sports fields are described. The invention, in certain aspects, comprises the use of mats for covering a sprinkler head lid and/or the above-ground or ground level portion of the underground casing for housing the sprinkler head assembly. The mats are formed of a shock absorbing material such that when a golf ball, for example, strikes the mat(s), the ball does not rebound away as severely compared to striking the rigid lid and/or above-ground casing portion directly (i.e. without the mat covering). Other embodiments including fabricating the sprinkler head lid and/or above-ground casing portions of the same shock-absorbing material.