Helmet for umpire

[Welpe]

This year umpires in Texas are authorized to wear a black hockey helmet without a face shield or visor in lieu of the standard uniform cap.

If you're an umpire, would you consider wearing one? What do you all think?

[HLin NC]

I foresee the NFL U's going to them soon. Makes a heckuva camera platform!

[JasonLJ]

Interesting. I think it's a good idea. All the emphasis is on players safety and the Umpire is right out in middle of the action. I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes mandatory someday.

[Sturno]

I'm not sure I'd be apt to wear one just yet.....maybe down the road when mobility really becomes an issue (and at that point, you probably shouldn't be in there anyway.) What's next, mouth guards too? I could see it being a benefit on those cold November playoff games up here in WI though.

I think I'd be more inclined to ride a segway and be like the Mall Cop guy...that's where the trouble normally lies is in the legs in the handful of times I find myself in no man's land.

It's a fast and physical contact sport, and unless you take all of the contact out, players, coaches, and officials are going to be at some sort of risk on every single play from first whistle to last whistle. Plain and simple. I do see a lot of games where it seems the crew's slowest & largest guy is in the middle, which doesn't help him.

Every time I see stuff like this I start to think how many insurance companies and lawyers have jumped into the pool, and that's no dig on either profession...just saying.

[Tom.OH]

The Arena Football League had the U wear a helmet a few years ago. It looked more like a batting helmet. Then after a few games most stopped wearing it.
Now why is there no brim allowed. Seems it could be needed in a driving rain or a sunny day.

[jTheUmp]

Honestly, the slow, immobile umpire is a rapidly-dying breed at the higher levels of football (NCAA D-III on up).

Personally, I don't think I would wear a hockey helmet unless I was required to do so. With good positioning and anticipation, I should be able to stay out of trouble on almost every play.

[bigjohn]

Make more sense wouldn't it??

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

Make more sense wouldn't it??

AFTER the game.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Honestly, the slow, immobile umpire is a rapidly-dying breed at the higher levels of football (NCAA D-III on up).

Personally, I don't think I would wear a hockey helmet unless I was required to do so. With good positioning and anticipation, I should be able to stay out of trouble on almost every play.

Umpires generally stay out of trouble on most plays. It's not "most plays" where a helmet would come in handy. It's those once-a-season plays we need to think about.

[SWFLguy]

I worked 40 seasons mostly at U and can't think of any time a head injury was a concern. The only time you could really be vulnerable is if you rush into a pile too quickly to retrieve the ball. Best to stand back and let the players get out of the way before making your move.