Balloon sighting!

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Originally Posted by JRutledge

It is not like he has to have to balloon protector to protect his arm either. And this is not an ADA situation as every person with a disability would not be reasonably allowed to umpire or officiate as they could cause harm to other players or themselves. Does he use a protector on the bases too? After all he could get hit there as well. And he is an independent contractor so a lot of decisions he makes about moving up are based on decisions he would have to make. And I am sure working as an umpire is not right, it is a privileged and if a player could not play for such reasons there is only so much accommodation that can be made to allow that player to continue to play as well.

Peace

JRut:

You're way wrong on this one, buddy. 1) The balloon provides him the greatest amount of protection. Sure, there might be other ways to protect himself (I knew a different guy who wore soccer shingards on his arm ... no lie!) 2) You obviously do not understand the ADA. The law (and most rule codes specifically acknowledge the need to) allow for reasonable accomodations. Wearing a balloon is neither a danger to the participants or to the umpire. After all, they were worn by plate umpires for decades. Each situation and accomodation is decided on individually. Just because one person is allowed a particular accomodation doesn't mean that somebody else will get theirs. For instance, somebody using an electric wheelchair IS a danger to others and would not be allowed. 3) He could also get into a car wreck on the way to the game, but to my knowledge he does not wear a balloon protector while driving to the game.

There is no good reason not to allow this guy to move up. In fact, it might be an actionable situation (i.e.: discriminatory) for him to be denied for merely choosing to wear a balloon style. Rule 10-2-1 of the NFHS Rules Book requires the use of a chest protector, but it does not indicate a specific style.