[3appleshigh]

That the popularity of the hockey mask for the kids of today, will translate in to the umpires of the future. I grew up watching so called "Real" umpires and playing hockey. I saw playing hockey a lot of goalies with masks and a lot with regular helmets, I saw the number of helmet dwindle, I was a forward, so I wore a regular helmet, but when the helmet for umpiring came out I looked into them, they have better vision. PERIOD. That was a good enough reason for me. I think the protection difference is there and better for the helmet, but only slightly. I think the straight on shots are deflected better, and the throat protection is better. The weight/bulk of the helmet vs. mask was never really a big deal for me then or now, yes it is bigger to carry, and a little awkward for eg. line-up changes- where do you put the helmet?? but the overall effect is that it is better in ways that are important to me.

The stick or head in the sand, nothing could be better than something originally designed 80-120 yrs ago is simply silly. Is the hockey mask better for everyone, - NO, is it better for me - YES. Should that cause other traditional umps to be so scared and defensive as to describe anyone who dares use the equipment as a Smitty, or NOT A REAL UMPIRE - HECK NO. MAny people who try the helmet love it and never will go back, while others dislike it. When in this day and age of the tell everyone something sucks, but tell no one something is good, the number of people who try the helmet and stick with it vs. go back to the traditional mask must be hugely lopsided in favor of the hockey mask. I think the compassion to the pillow is a great one, I'm completely sure that the first USP wearing umpires were also shunned because the Fear of change is a great one.

Look at Hockey today (well last year anyway) there are 2 ref's in the show that still don't wear helmets, they sadly look out of place old and in my opinion stubborn. The world has agreed that helmets are better, and safer, but they are not required to so they don't. Is this because helmets are not better? or are they too stubborn to change?