[AtlUmpSteve]

And why would a sanctioning body mandate performance standards for an optional piece of equipment? If they MAKE you use it, there needs to be a performance standard to protect against liability issues; if YOU choose to use it (and it isn't illegal), why should there be a standard? Anything short of aluminum foil hanging off a bent coat hanger wrapped around the player's ears provides more protection than what is required (none).

Start down that road, and you will be needing performance standards for sweatbands, sliding shorts, socks ..........