Getting my helix pierced?

I might get my helix (ear cartilage) pierced tomarrow but I have a softball game Tuesday. That gives it 2 days before I need to wear a helmet. It will definitely be taped or have a bandaid over it. How uncomfortable will it be to have a helmet over it? Does it really hurt as ba as people say? I also heard horseshoes are the best thing to have in a fresh cartilage piercing (true or false?). I handle pain pretty well & didnt cry when I broke and sprain my ankle (although that might have been the adrenaline). If I don't get it now I'll have to way until October.