Pitcher Warming - HS Varsity Fed Rules

[DG]

Originally Posted by JFlores

Probably elementary but when the bullpen is in dead ball territory, pitcher is warming up, the protector (player standing behind pitcher or catcher as their back is to playing field) must wear a helmet correct??

Depends. Is the dead ball territory outside the fences? If so no protector needed. If inside but in a dead ball territory then I think a protector is needed. He need not wear a helmet.

[JFlores]

Well reason being tonight coach says rules say helmet not required at the varsity level. I had the kid get a helmet and glove of course.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

NFHS Rules: Non-adult (if the player is 18, he is still going to wear a batting helmet) in your situation MUST wear a batting helmet no matter what level.

MTD, Sr.

[MrUmpire]

Mark has it. A player or other non-adult must wear a helmet.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

NFHS Rules: Non-adult (if the player is 18, he is still going to wear a batting helmet) in your situation MUST wear a batting helmet no matter what level.

MTD, Sr.

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.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

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.

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.

[MrUmpire]

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.

When that was added. most state interpreters said that it basically covered any non-playing player or non-adult non-player required to be in live ball territory, specifically those protecting a battery warming up.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

When that was added. most state interpreters said that it basically covered any non-playing player or non-adult non-player required to be in live ball territory, specifically those protecting a battery warming up.

Except that it doesn't, since a protector is specifically covered in 3-3-4. I don't consider a protector a ball shagger. To me, there is a difference.

Your state's rules may vary. In my games if there wear a helmet, fine. If not, fine.

[MikeStrybel]

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.

Mark, I mean no disrespect but that does not mention players who are protecting the warm up players. They are not, by definition, on deck, batters, runners, retired players or in the coaching boxes. They are also not ball or bat shaggers. That rule doesn't support this exact scenario, unless you consider him to be a bat/ball shagger, not a protector.

I would probably do what most suggest, "Coach, can you have 24 put a helmet on while standing there?" Student athlete protection is the game in high school ball and I prefer to not be on the field when a preventable injury occurs. Your intent is correct and that rule would probably satisfy a coach or two. Eventually one will call you on it.

[rcaverly]

Originally Posted by JFlores

Probably elementary but when the bullpen is in dead ball territory, pitcher is warming up, the protector (player standing behind pitcher or catcher as their back is to playing field) must wear a helmet correct??

The requirement at 3-3-4 for a team member with a glove to protect those loosening up in an area not protected by a fence or other structure applies if the area is “within the confines of the field.”

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

When that was added. most state interpreters said that it basically covered any non-playing player or non-adult non-player required to be in live ball territory, specifically those protecting a battery warming up.

MrUmpire, was Ohio’s state interpreter one of those?

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Except that it doesn't, since a protector is specifically covered in 3-3-4. I don't consider a protector a ball shagger. To me, there is a difference.

Your state's rules may vary. In my games if there wear a helmet, fine. If not, fine.

Until I hear different from Ohio’s state interpreter, I’m with Rich. A ball shagger is one who chases after a loose and dead ball. A protector is a team member who pays attention to the action in live ball territory and defends himself and his teammates, who are loosening up within the confines of the playing field and not likely paying attention to the action in live ball territory. He uses his attention and his glove, not his helmet, to protect himself and his teammates. If he wears a helmet, fine: if not; fine.

By the way, YMMV.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Eventually one will call you on it.

Which is why I don't ask. I assume that the coach knows the situations where protection is required. This is not one of them. Not where I live, anyway.

[pastordoug]

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.

Let's take the OP and apply this rule... is the person protecting the pitcher warming up a: on-deck batter NO, a batter NO, runner NO, retired runner NO, player/student IN THE COACHES BOX, NO, a non-adult BAT/BALL shagger, NO.....

Conclusion: There is NO rule which mandates a helmet being worn by the person protecting the pitcher warming up.

BTW I am certain the rule book specifically states that a helmet is not needed in this particular situation but since I am out of town I do not have access to my books...

[DG]

From 2004 Interpretations:

SITUATION 11: Is a player who is not in the game allowed to warm up an outfielder between innings without wearing a batting helmet? RULING: While the ball is dead, the player is allowed to warm up an outfielder without wearing a batting helmet. By definition, the player is not considered to be a non-adult ball/bat shagger. However, a state association may mandate that any non-adult must wear a helmet while warming up a teammate.

3-3-4 covers this question for states that have not adopted more rules.

[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.