I find it totally stoopid that NFHS doesn't list a chest protector nor shin guards (if memory serves) as required umpire equipment.... maybe they want us to get hurt?
or just maybe they think that COMMON sense would dictate what a umpire would wear?
We have a few guys in our association that wear nothing but a face mask (well ok, they wear the required uniform too
) and I didn't start using a nad protective device till last year (deedudee, here's your sign) kinda weird how protecting the nads reduces flinching on low pitches ..lol