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Originally Posted by UmpireBob
Little League and FED require catchers to wear helmets that meet NOCSAE standards. I do not know about Babe Ruth, or some of the other rule codes. Those rule sets do not require an umpire to wear such a helmet or mask, nor does OBR.
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You would be wrong. For one I will not speak for what LL or Babe Ruth does. I do not work those levels and do not give a rat's behind what they do. FED has no such rule requiring a player to wear a helmet in the style that an umpire would have to wear. A FED catcher can wear the traditional mask if they like.
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Originally Posted by UmpireBob
The point I was making in my original post, runs along the same logic as is taught in umpire clinics and schools. We are told not to wear watches, jewelry, or anything that we tell players not to wear, so that we can point to ourselves as examples. So, if we as adults (not just as umpires, but as a collective set who write and/or enforce game rules) are dictating that players wear such equipment, I am just saying that it provides a good example to wear the same equipment.
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Let me say it was not a very good point you were trying to make.
Wearing a watch is a lot different than telling us what specific type of uniform to go out and buy. All that is required is a mask, it does not matter what kind of mask you wear. Would you like it if we told you what type of shirt you had to buy (not talking about color here)? Maybe you like a specific shirt because that you feel is comfortable for you that might not be required if we use your logic.
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Originally Posted by UmpireBob
No, we are not required to. No, I don't wear an HSM all the time either. But I do think that we will see a day (not in the near future) where it will be mandated by the insurance companies for organizations to change their rules to require umpires to wear hockey-style helmets. What do I base this on? Look at history. They have mandated it for youth players in order to provide favorable rates for liability insurance (and most of the other "safety" rules we have seen implemented in youth baseball rules). It seems only a matter of time before they begin to implement it for adults as well.
Another example of liability? Look at the background checks that have to be done now.
The question of liability plays a bigger and bigger role in our lives, much to my dismay. It is, however, a question which requires the attention of those people paying the insurance premiums. And, the insurance companies know this.
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Considering I have yet to see any evidence of such a bigger liability. I have been hit in the mask with a ball several times and I have never been hurt or slightly hurt. I have known more people that have attributed some other problems to their helmet, so I would really like to see how liability will play a role.
Peace