Helmet Rule

[JeremyByrd]

Sorry, I know this is old news but I need to know specifically:

The new MLB Helmet rule is NOT an official baseball rule but was agreed to by the General Managers as a safety rule. Is this correct? It seems like in the future it might be a rule but I just specifically need to know this right now.

Thanks for your time

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by JeremyByrd

Sorry, I know this is old news but I need to know specifically:

The new MLB Helmet rule is NOT an official baseball rule but was agreed to by the General Managers as a safety rule. Is this correct? It seems like in the future it might be a rule but I just specifically need to know this right now.

Thanks for your time

Where is it an issue? Some organizations have added it as a rule (Legion) and some already had it. It's status where you are depends on where you are and the organization you are officiating.

[JeremyByrd]

Rich,
Thanks for answering my question.


Anyone else that can provide helpful information please respond.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by JeremyByrd

Rich,
Thanks for answering my question.


Anyone else that can provide helpful information please respond.

It's not in the rule book, OK?

But so what? It still doesn't matter where you are because the organization controlling the game may have one on it's own.

[JeremyByrd]

Maybe I am the organization?

Remember, not everyone that comes here is an umpire...although I use to be and retired. I believe you yourself are a coach. I was simply looking for some 3rd party feedback as I was getting different answers and wanted another opinion. I'm actually glad you replied because I remember you from before and appreciated your input.

Thank you

[SAump]

SITUATION 20: With the bases empty, the visiting team is at bat and the assistant coach in the first base coach's box is wearing a dual flap helmet while the head coach in the third base coach's box is wearing a hard liner under his team cap. The home team coach complains to the umpire-in-chief that both coaches must wear the same type of protective helmet in accordance with MLB rules. RULING: The NFHS has not mandated that adult coaches shall wear protective head gear while occupying a coach's box. It is the prerogative of the respective coach to wear such protective equipment. The NFHS is conducting research to determine if protective head gear should be required and, if so, which type (hard liner, flapless, one-flap, dual flap) would be most effective. However, it is mandatory that when occupying a coach's box, a coach shall wear the team cap and that players/students wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard and has dual ear flaps. (3-2-1, 1-5-1, 1-4-1)

Source: http://www.nfhs.org/web/2008/02/2008...s_interpr.aspx

Some leagues have adopted the rule. Some may wait until next year because of "distribution" problems. Some may adopt a wait and see approach.

See post #4 for American Legion policy letter in the following thread: Participant Safety.