Is this Legal?

[RPatrino]

Is the batting helmet/catcher's mask still legal in Fed games? Look at this picture. http://www.maxpreps.com/Galleries.as...2-a843cc3b3c13

[UmpJM]

Bob,

In FED, the combo in the picture would be illegal solely because the helmet does not cover the catcher's ears (assuming it had the NOCSAE stamp, of course). A similar combo that did cover the catcher's ears (with NOCSAE stamp) would be legal.

JM

[RPatrino]

So, that begs the question, why was this combo allowed in this NCS 3A Semi-final game?????

[SanDiegoSteve]

The umpire probably read this forum, when I tried to point out that this type of "conventional mask" and "batting helmet" combination was illegal, and people argued with me about it. The umpire obviously agreed with them.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

So, that begs the question, why was this combo allowed in this NCS 3A Semi-final game?????

I looked at all the pictures and some were wearing jewelry and sitting outside the dugout. I suppose these guys didn't want to rock the boat and mess up future playoff assignments. I've seen it before and I'm sure I'll see it again.

[Tim C]

There is no possible way that this helmet/mask combo would be legal in any Federation game.

I hope someone sends this picture to the "powers that be" and make sure that these umpires do not advance to any more Federation playoff games.

This is the EXACT reason umpires that call Federation rules have problems.

If these idiots would call the rules correctly it would make if better for the next crew.

Regards,

Tim Christensen

Committee Member
National Federation of High Schools
Publication Committee

[RPatrino]

Tim is absolutely correct.

I did a 2A NCS Semi-final game and one of the teams couldn't believe that I was making the players stay in the dugout. Imagine that. They were allowed to walk around in front of the bench area all season long. I don't understand that at all.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by Tim C

There is no possible way that this helmet/mask combo would be legal in any Federation game.

I hope someone sends this picture to the "powers that be" and make sure that these umpires do not advance to any more Federation playoff games.

This is the EXACT reason umpires that call Federation rules have problems.

If these idiots would call the rules correctly it would make if better for the next crew.

Regards,

Tim Christensen

Committee Member
National Federation of High Schools
Publication Committee

While I agree with you I have to wonder what the chances are that this catcher put on this equipment for this game only. I'd be willing to bet that he's worn this for most of the season without anyone complaining.

[RPatrino]

Walt, the point is that catcher should never have been allowed to have it on in the first place. If I was doing that game, I would have had him in the proper helmet, particularly if I knew that some yahoo with a camera was around.

I really wonder who this crew was?

[umpduck11]

In Alabama, in the playoffs, you're very likely to be seen by a district director, or a district instructor. For this reason, I have seen umpires who are lenient on certain rules suddenly crack down on those rules. I guess this crew had no fear either of being seen by a state official, or receiving any type of punishment for ignoring ( or failing to notice) an obvious violation of a safety
rule. I suppose the coach's assurance that his players are " legally and properly equipt " covers these guys in the event of an injury, huh ?

[jkumpire]

Yes the PU is wrong, and it's why every year the FED rules Cmte puts in the stuff about "Umpire Professionalism".

But, the rule is a silly rule. The old style mask/helmet combination is safe, and if there is one rule in FED I'd ignore, this one might be it.

My question to all of you: Has anyone ever had a game where a HS catcher got hurt because he was using the old helmet/mask without ear protection?

Never heard of one, or saw one. Bet you haven't either. Soon we will have to check skirt lengths, face masks, and wiffle ball bats too to see if the NOCASE seal on them....

Happy Memorial Day, I hope you took time to remember.

[Tim C]

On May 6th I was in Elliot Hopkins office:

His last comment to me was:

"Tee, just get umpires to call our rules and I will be happy!"

Why can't our level of umpires call rules that are requested by our client?

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Walt, the point is that catcher should never have been allowed to have it on in the first place. If I was doing that game, I would have had him in the proper helmet, particularly if I knew that some yahoo with a camera was around.

I really wonder who this crew was?

We agree. This would not be allowed in a game I worked. My point was that this probably wasn't the first time the catcher pulled this gear out of his bag and was allowed to wear it.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by Tim C

Why can't our level of umpires call rules that are requested by our client?

I would have to say they're lazy, ignorant or a combination of both.

Not liking a rule doesn't mean not enforcing it. Especially one that is safety related.

[Forest Ump]

I had a game last week. 13-15 boys, house league. The batter came up to the plate with duct tape covering his entire helmet. I told him he wasn't going to use that helmet in this game. The reply I got back from the coach was the other umpires allow it. Not in my game coach.