[jkumpire]

Guys, technically you are right, FED does not mandate the HSM? But come on, the mandated helmet is almost an HSM, and more and more catchers are using an HSM. Personally I think the FED rule is bad, and the old style helmet/mask should be legal. For the first time last year in 30 years of umpiring did I see a HS catcher who turned his head so much he needed the mandated FED ear protection. And he needed it because he never learned how to catch and keep his mask forward. He wore the suit of armor for so long he never learned the fundamentals of catching, or how to protect yourself properly. That is FED's fault for their stupid catcher's helmet rule.

Having said all that: Please don't make the difference without distinction argument here.