masks
 

What is the recommended tightness for an umpire wearing their mask when working the plate? I have heard different opinions, so I wanted to ask the forum.

michblue,

Loose!

Basically, if you tip your head forward, the bottom part of the mask should fall away from your chin a couple of inches.

The rationale has to do with the way the mask is designed to protect your noggin'. It's not just the "cushioning" effect of the pads, but the ability to absorb and disperse the force (i.e., mass*velocity) of the ball.

The mask is designed to "spin" on impact, thereby preventing the force from being transferred directly to your skull. If you have the straps too tight, you defeat the design and the majority of the force gets transferred to your skull, causing your brain to bounce around inside your skull and your upper spine to experience "whiplash".

As in all things, do as you think best.

JM

Thanks JM. Appreciate the help.

The bouncing of the brain will also cause a concussion, correct?

Andrew,

Yes. In layman's terms, a concussion is a "brain bruise".

JM

And be careful with the low profile style masks. There was an aritcle a while back on the MiLB Umpires site that showed an increase in concussions with them. Keep it loose as mentioned before.

I've often wondered where the scientific research for this comes from.

Well,
 

The research is based on the same concept of F1 race cars.

The elimination of energy during a crash is based on the car releasing parts quickly and easily (with the exception of the protective cage).

If the mask is worn loose the energy is released freely and the mask either returns to the original place, spins around the head or flies completely off.

MLB sent an internal memo to all umpires mid-way through 2010 (after there were two concussions) instructing umpires how mask tightness was an important deterent to injury.

T

Tim C,

And I can safely assume that the memo to MLB umpires was recommending them to wear their masks loose?

Physics.

JM

Equation, please..

I was told from the very beginning when I started umping about the 2" thing. It was to be able to remove your mask quickly, and not pull your hat off everytime. Concussions were never mentioned. Seems like this was the norm way before 2010.

The reason I asked is because I seldom see the mask fly off or twist around. Might be a good theory in practice, but non-relevant in reality.

MLB can now concentrate on correcting the errors in the rule book.

You're kidding, right? If not, I can come up with several or a general explanation.

Rita

Had my mask come off completely once. Never felt a thing but it was several feet away. Have had it twist several times. And this was with the little guys.

Much preferable to taking it straight on and being loopy for the rest of the game. Had that happen too.

Rita

[QUOTE=Steven Tyler;794370]

The reason I asked is because I seldom see the mask fly off or twist around. Might be a good theory in practice, but non-relevant in reality.

QUOTE]

Add 1 as a "me, too" to what Rita said.

Had my mask work "as designed/ intended" on several occasions: mask spins off, or at least out-of-place, no damage to the ol' noggin or contents.

Had a younger umpire who "knew better" and kept his straps tight taken to the ER after a game when he started showing signs of concussion.