[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestMichBlue
[B]I don't wear a hat now that I use the hockey style mask. Pre-season I asked M.H.S.A.A. Assoc Director (who is also on the NFHS rules committee) about this issue; if not wearing a hat would affect our tournament opportunities.
His reply: Tom: The hockey style mask is allowed. The fact that when removed means an umpire will be without a hat is not a problem and will not affect tournament assignments.
So at least in Michigan, it is not a big deal.
WMB
I umpire softball and baseball. When behind the plate for a baseball game I wear my hockey style mask. I seem to get more visiability with this mask and stay cooler on hot days by not having to wear a hat with it. I also like the fact that if I take a ball off this mask it doesn't spin.
My softball UIC will not allow the hockey style mask on any softball fields that the association provides umpires for. The UIC has said that the hockey style mask if for baseball umpires and not for softball umpires. So for now life is such that it is.
Michael
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