Abstract: A head gear apparatus has a padded member shaped and configured to wrap around a player's head. The padded member includes a first side portion having a first distal end and a first middle-facing edge along a lower margin. A second side portion has a second distal end and a second middle-facing edge along the lower margin. A middle portion is positioned between and connects the first side portion and the second side portion. The lower margin defines an open region below the middle portion and between the first middle-facing edge and the second middle-facing edge. The padded member has at least one strap guide. A rear closure assembly connects the first distal end to the second distal end.