Pitcher Warming - HS Varsity Fed Rules

[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.

[bob jenkins]

Ball shagger: Runs with his back to the plate, isn't responsible for watching the flight of the ball in play, doesn't have a glove. Must wear a helmet

Protector: Faces the field, his entire job is to watch the ball and catch it if it comes near (he's basically another outfielder), wears a glove. Doesn't need a helmet (unless the state so mandates).

[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.