Catcher's Helmet FED

[Scratch Franzeo]

This last weekend I found myself discussing catcher's helmets with a fellow umpire (his son will play his first year of HS ball in the spring of 2014). He asked me if I would allow his son to wear a two-piece helmet in a game that I officiated. My response was simply, "no, FED doesn't allow catchers two-piece helmets." He then told me that he disagreed, that the rules can be interpreted to allow the two-piece.

I then did what any of us do when we disagree on a rule, I picked up my handy rule book and read FED 1.5.4. To my surprise, he was right, kind of.

".......shall have full ear protection ... The commercially manufactured head, face, and throat protection may be a one-piece or multi-piece design."

Here's my question, are HSMs the only catchers helmets with full ear protection, or are the two-piece designs that meet the requirements outlined in 1.5.4?

[Platejob29]

The only "two piece" I know of that offers full ear protection is the kind a lot of LL catchers use that has a helmet shaped kind of like a batting helmet and has a separate cage that hinges at the top of the helmet. Probably thought of more as a one piece but it is technically two pieces. I don't know of any true two piece that offers full ear protection though. On a side note I just bought another new mask that I'll tell you about more when I see you this weekend. It's shipping from Japan so hopefully it won't take too long to get here.

[noumpere]

There have been some, but I haven't seen them used in years.  Part of it has to do with the NOCSAE requirements for being certified.

 

If they didn't allow it someone would probably claim to have one and sue just to get a settlement even if they couldn't sell very many.  lol.  Its the American way.

[Stan W.]

I hate getting asked that question, because 9 out of 10 times they are trying to get you to agree to their kid wearing the traditonal mask and skull cap or batting helmet.....because they can wear that in their travel or summer league......

 

Under Fed, both ears have to be covered......period.

[JaxRolo]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

[JaxRolo]

Not really sanctioned by the Feds so it's up to the management to decide

[KLAH316]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

 

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!!

[grayhawk]

 

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

 

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!!

 

 

I agree with this.  It's one thing to not enforce a stupid Fed rule like requiring the hands to be at or below the chin when in the set position.  But safety rules like catcher's helmets should absolutely be enforced.

[Scratch Franzeo]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

 

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!!

 

I agree with this.  It's one thing to not enforce a stupid Fed rule like requiring the hands to be at or below the chin when in the set position.  But safety rules like catcher's helmets should absolutely be enforced.

Agreed. There is no compromise; F2 must wear HSM when playing FED. A few weeks ago, I called a varsity fall-ball game in North Dallas where both catcher tried to wear a two-piece. They both said something like, "c'mon Blue, it's Fall. You're the first umpire to tell me I can't wear it." The HT F2 even told me that they didn't have an HSM in the dugout. I was amazed at how fast one materialized when I told him that he had to tell the coach that we could play the game because his catcher was not properly equipped.

[Jimurray]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

 

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!!  

I agree with this.  It's one thing to not enforce a stupid Fed rule like requiring the hands to be at or below the chin when in the set position.  But safety rules like catcher's helmets should absolutely be enforced.

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOC

Agreed. There is no compromise; F2 must wear HSM when playing FED. A few weeks ago, I called a varsity fall-ball game in North Dallas where both catcher tried to wear a two-piece. They both said something like, "c'mon Blue, it's Fall. You're the first umpire to tell me I can't wear it." The HT F2 even told me that they didn't have an HSM in the dugout. I was amazed at how fast one materialized when I told him that he had to tell the coach that we could play the game because his catcher was not properly equipped.

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOCSAE approved.

http://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=29428

[Scratch Franzeo]

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOCSAE approved. http://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=29428

I've seen these used in 12u and younger games - I didn't even think about it as being a two-piece.

In the future, I will no longer say that FED doesn't allow F2 to wear a two-piece, I'll simply say that the helmet must be NOCSAE approved and cover F2 ears (or something like that).

[JaxRolo]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!! I agree it should be enforced. But it's not a FED sanctioned tourney. So directors can change some of the rules. Umpire by the rules given or don't work these high end Showcases.

[KLAH316]

 

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!! I agree it should be enforced. But it's not a FED sanctioned tourney. So directors can change some of the rules. Umpire by the rules given or don't work these high end Showcases.

 

Do they put it in writing that they are authorized??

[JaxRolo]

I have been working several Perfect Game tournaments and other showcases and all the F2s wear 2 piece. FED rules. Just not enforced.

Sorry Jax..... I'm enforcing the ruleset of the tournament. I've done some of those types of tourneys as well and if it's a FED tourney, they better have a HSM. I'm not hanging my A$$ out there!! I agree it should be enforced. But it's not a FED sanctioned tourney. So directors can change some of the rules. Umpire by the rules given or don't work these high end Showcases. Do they put it in writing that they are authorized?? It's written as FED rules with OBR mods

[VAUmp]

The mask and helmet have to be NOCSAE certified when tested TOGETHER!  That's the key.  If it's in two pieces, how would you know that it was tested together.  I'd err on the side of caution and not allow it.

[mstaylor]

When I am asked about FED catchers helmets, I tell them double ear, NOCSAE approved and if two piece, tested together. It is simple and kills the skull caps. As far as Jax's Fed with exceptions, if the tournaments has a list of exceptions then we are absolved of liability. I have seen tournaments allow the bucket outside, skull caps and OBR pitching rules. That is perfectly fine, and I am a stickler for safety rules. I really hate to allow a coach on a bucket so I tell them if a ball comes near them, they better clear and take their bucket ot they will not like my enforcement. 

[Minnz]

Funny to me how the HSM is all about safety yet proof is not there.  So many of these HSM high school kids use are cheap and offer no protection additionally for concussions.  If they truly cared about catcher safety they would require a mouth guard for all F2 to cut down concussions.

[basejester]

Funny to me how the HSM is all about safety yet proof is not there.  So many of these HSM high school kids use are cheap and offer no protection additionally for concussions.  If they truly cared about catcher safety they would require a mouth guard for all F2 to cut down concussions.

I had never heard of mouth guards as protection against concussions. I did a search; it looks a bit sketchy.

http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/f/concussion.htm

Concussions - Does Wearing a Mouthguard Prevent Concussions?

. . .

Wearing a mouthguard while participating in contact sports was once thought to prevent the occurrence of sustaining a concussion. On January 17, 2009, statements made by top neurological experts dismissed this, claiming that no credible research backs this idea, further confusing parents and players on the validity of mouthguard wear.

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/35/2/81.full

The ability of mouthguards to protect against head and spinal injuries in sport falls into the realm of “neuromythology†rather than hard science.32 Reading the original studies cited as evidence for this effect reveals anecdotal claims that can best be described as bizarre rather than reflecting established medical principles. It is unlikely that a mouthguard would offer effective protection against brain or spinal cord injury, and the limited published data are not compelling in this regard nor does it accord with the known pathophysiology of such injuries.

[mstaylor]

Funny to me how the HSM is all about safety yet proof is not there.  So many of these HSM high school kids use are cheap and offer no protection additionally for concussions.  If they truly cared about catcher safety they would require a mouth guard for all F2 to cut down concussions.

The double ear flap has more to do with protecting against bats than concussions. I witnessed a college catcher get leveled by a backswing. 

[basejester]

The double ear flap has more to do with protecting against bats than concussions. I witnessed a college catcher get leveled by a backswing.

I don't follow the contrast you're making. Hitting a catcher in the head with a bat could give him a concussion.

[Rich Ives]

 

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOCSAE approved. http://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=29428

I've seen these used in 12u and younger games - I didn't even think about it as being a two-piece.

In the future, I will no longer say that FED doesn't allow F2 to wear a two-piece, I'll simply say that the helmet must be NOCSAE approved and cover F2 ears (or something like that).

 

 

 

Redundant. To be NOCSAE approved it must cover the ears.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

 

 

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOCSAE approved. http://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=29428

I've seen these used in 12u and younger games - I didn't even think about it as being a two-piece.

In the future, I will no longer say that FED doesn't allow F2 to wear a two-piece, I'll simply say that the helmet must be NOCSAE approved and cover F2 ears (or something like that).

 

 

 

Redundant. To be NOCSAE approved it must cover the ears.

 

 

 

NFHS has the their Department of Redundancy Department edit each rule before publication.

[Scratch Franzeo]

The economical alternative to a HSM is two piece and NOCSAE approved. http://www.baseballsavings.com/customer/category/product.jsp?SUBCATEGORY_ID=29428

I've seen these used in 12u and younger games - I didn't even think about it as being a two-piece.

In the future, I will no longer say that FED doesn't allow F2 to wear a two-piece, I'll simply say that the helmet must be NOCSAE approved and cover F2 ears (or something like that).

 

 

Redundant. To be NOCSAE approved it must cover the ears.

Once again, I have learned a little something on good ole U-E. After reading Pete's "redundant" post, I did a little research and found that masks can be NOCSAE certified, but not skull caps.

[mstaylor]

 

The double ear flap has more to do with protecting against bats than concussions. I witnessed a college catcher get leveled by a backswing.

I don't follow the contrast you're making. Hitting a catcher in the head with a bat could give him a concussion.

 

True, but hitting him with a bat in the ear could hurt like the devil. 

[Minnz]

 

Funny to me how the HSM is all about safety yet proof is not there.  So many of these HSM high school kids use are cheap and offer no protection additionally for concussions.  If they truly cared about catcher safety they would require a mouth guard for all F2 to cut down concussions.

I had never heard of mouth guards as protection against concussions. I did a search; it looks a bit sketchy.

http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/f/concussion.htm

Concussions - Does Wearing a Mouthguard Prevent Concussions?

. . .

Wearing a mouthguard while participating in contact sports was once thought to prevent the occurrence of sustaining a concussion. On January 17, 2009, statements made by top neurological experts dismissed this, claiming that no credible research backs this idea, further confusing parents and players on the validity of mouthguard wear.

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/35/2/81.full

The ability of mouthguards to protect against head and spinal injuries in sport falls into the realm of “neuromythology†rather than hard science.32 Reading the original studies cited as evidence for this effect reveals anecdotal claims that can best be described as bizarre rather than reflecting established medical principles. It is unlikely that a mouthguard would offer effective protection against brain or spinal cord injury, and the limited published data are not compelling in this regard nor does it accord with the known pathophysiology of such injuries.

 

I have been told by numerous hockey and baseball Certified Athletic Trainers they believe if worn properly the mouth guard will cut down on concussion severity or getting one.  As in the thing is actually in the mouth and your biting down on it.  That causes the head to tighten and brain will move less when struck.  Prevent 100% no but improve, sure.  Good enough for me.