NF 2012 Rules Changes

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

While I think it's nice for the umpires to not have to examine equipment before the game anymore, there's no question in my mind this reduces player safety. I've had to disqualify more cracked batting helmets than I can remember including helmets for the same team on separate occasions.

In my experience, coaches can't be trusted with this responsibility.

If they cannot be trusted, then they do not need to be working for a school. We should not have to be worried about something before the game. We do not go around and check all equipment in football and that is a much more violent sport. Of course if we spot check things, but we do not go over to every kid with a (football) helmet and see if they have a sticker or if everyone has a mouthpiece. This was always silly and not done properly by many either. Put this on the coaches. And a bat was not always about safety, it was about legality. If they bring in an illegal bat, then it should be noticed or pointed out during the game and the appropriate penalty should occur.

Peace