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"They cost about $10 and mounting hardware is included. So, compared to bats (and even game balls) its a minimal investment."
Sure it is a minimal investment, especially with respect to the safety of our athletes. But it is still an added cost to already tight school budgets. And this added cost may be greater than you think.
The NFHS has mandated face masks for Softball in 2006, and optional for Baseball in 2005. Do you think the school wants to face the legal challenge from a male baseball player hit in the face during the time the school supplied face guards for its Girls? So how many helmets are we talking about to outfit 6 teams? (Fr, JV, and Varsity baseball and softball).
Our school Community Education provides a summer rec program for kids from Tee-Ball to 14-15 in BB and SB. If the H.S. is protecting the faces of its players, do you think the Com Ed department can do less. So now we are talking about a hundred to maybe two hundred face guards. Not exactly pocket change anymore.
I am not arguing against the face guards; just supporting the NFHS's decisions to give the schools a year to budget the new expanse.
WMB
Still waiting for your e-mail, JustMom
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