Pitcher Warming - HS Varsity Fed Rules

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by Tim C

All I can tell ya is that the FED rules committee discussed having 'protectors' wear helmets and selected to NOT include them in the rule (remember, while the committee permanent chair is an umpire there are only coaches on the rules committee).

Oregon (by OSAA command) HAS INCLUDED the protectors in the helmet portion of the rule.

While not arguing whether a 'protector' should or should not be required to wear a protective helmet it appears on the surface that more-and-more states are moving towards state decreed protective helmet use.

T

Illinois too.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Mark:

Quote the rule. Like Bob said, this may be a state association change where you live, but the *NFHS RULES* only require a glove. The protector is supposed to be facing the plate and we don't require fielders to wear helmets, after all.

We don't require the warming up pitcher to put a helmet on, do we? I'd argue that the warming up pitcher is in just as much danger, if not more, than a person standing there with a glove whose only job is to protect the catcher/pitcher from a batted ball.

MTD, I work in the same state you do, and a helmet is not required for players covering the kids warming up inside the fence. Rich is right here.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

RichMSN:

NFHS R1-S5-A1: It is mandatory for on-deck batters, batters, runners, retired runners, players/students in the coaches boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers to wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE Standard.

MTD, Sr.

MTD,

I just saw this post, and guys covering for kids warming in the bullpen in the state where you work (I believe) is not part of this rule. Other states include them, your state does not.

[SE Minnestoa Re]

But if I were a coach, I would have the protector wear a helmet always. My goal would be to keep my house when the player gets hit in the head and the parents sue.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by SE Minnestoa Re

But if I were a coach, I would have the protector wear a helmet always. My goal would be to keep my house when the player gets hit in the head and the parents sue.

Would you have the warming up pitcher wear a helmet, too? How about the game pitcher? And the third baseman?

[rcaverly]

Originally Posted by SE Minnestoa Re

But if I were a coach...

And, as an umpire at your game, I would not prevent you from doing so. But, in Ohio, we umpires have no NFHS/OHSAA rule that requires youth protectors to wear a helmet.

As an aside, I have refused to change the status of the ball from dead to live while waiting for a ball shagger without a helmet to fetch a dead ball in live ball territory. Usually I can get the shagging team's attention and have the kid put on a helmet before he takes off after the ball. But, during those times when that is not possible, I simply won't put the ball in play until the shagger is "safely" back in his team's dugout (or if the shagger is one of 700 +/- girls playing baseball in California, her team's dugout.)

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by rcaverly

As an aside, I have refused to change the status of the ball from dead to live while waiting for a ball shagger without a helmet to fetch a dead ball in live ball territory. Usually I can get the shagging team's attention and have the kid put on a helmet before he takes off after the ball. But, during those times when that is not possible, I simply won't put the ball in play until the shagger is "safely" back in his team's dugout

That adds dead time to the game. If he keeps coming out without a helmet after being duly warned, am going to find another solution to that problem, like getting rid him.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

That adds dead time to the game. If he keeps coming out without a helmet after being duly warned, am going to find another solution to that problem, like getting rid him.

My guess is that if you delay the game the first time, it doesn't happen the second time.

[jicecone]

The amusing thing here is that most of the protecting players spend most of the time talking to the pitcher or catcher and not paying attention to the game.

And NO, I don't go checking all the time to say something. Just an observation that I don't get involved with.