Painting Helmets

[Big Kahuna]

The UIC told us that it was in there, so I guess when they told me the chicken crossed the road I didn't ask why. On second thought though, I may just go looking for it myself.

[Skahtboi]

[Skahtboi]

The only thing in the 2004 Dixie Rule book concerning helmets:

2:06 — The batter’s helmet shall be made of Ultra High Impact Plastic or High Impact Plastic Shell. The shell shall be of one-piece construction or two pieces if they snap into a single unit similar to the one-piece construction type. The helmet shall have pieces for ears and full protection for the head and temple. The padding shall be of heavy rubber or similar material. The use of the web-type suspension inside the helmet is not recommended. It is recommended that all future replacements of present stocks be of the padded type. All batting helmets worn in Dixie Softball play MUST be the style made with chin strap snaps and chin straps MUST be properly worn at all times that a player is required a batting helmet. (The penalty for a player not wearing the chin strap shall be after one (1) warning in a game she shall be called out for each subsequent time she comes to bat or runs the bases with an illegal helmet.) A player shall not remove her helmet while at bat or while running the bases. The helmet shall be worn by any offensive player while on the playing field, such as the bat girl, on-deck batter, batter, baserunner or base coach.
Penalty for removal of the helmet while on the playing field shall be that for a first offense the player shall be warned by the umpire; for second and subsequent offenses in the same game, she shall be called out. If the violation is by a bat girl, on-deck batter or base coach the penalty for their second (2nd) offense is removal from the game and from the field.
NOTE: Each batter and each baserunner must wear a batter’s helmet and each catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet which meets the above requirements. Batter’s helmets only, must bear the NOCSAE seal of approval. Catcher’s helmets are not required to bear this seal. The helmet must fit with a snug fit to the head and must be worn as intended by the manufacturer. No other hat or cap may be worn underneath the helmet.
NOTE: Helmets shall not be worn in an improper manner, such as on the back of the head, etc., and if a player’s hairstyle causes the helmet to fit improperly then the player should change her hairstyle so that the helmet will fit properly.
2:07 — A face guard attached to the batting helmet is required for play in all age divisions for all batters, baserunners, on-deck batters, bat girls and players and/or youth serving as a base coach. The face guard becomes a permanent part of the helmet in regards to all rules. The wearing of a helmet is optional for adult coaches. Approved facial protective devices must provide full coverage which will include, but not be limited to, protection for the eyes, nose, mouth and teeth, jaws and cheek bones and forehead and temple areas.

This could, of course, be a league only rule. But I am not sure what the point would be if DSI fails to address it.

[EugeneCoug]

While the ASA rule on helmets may not mention that they have to match, I seem to recall the rule on matching uniforms can be read to include helmets, as well as sleeves, sliders, etc. Different styles of headwear can be worn on the field, such as caps and visors, so long as they are the same color, I believe. Once again, I am not suggesting that greater enforcement of a helmet uniformity rule (or any other part of the uniform) is necessarily a good idea. I would like, however, to eradicate the no-paint rule myth in ASA circles.

[DownTownTonyBrown]

Being an engineer and knowing a slight bit about material science...

Yes there is a possibility that certain hydrocarbon chemicals could affect the structural integrity of a plastic helmet. However, the result of poor paint choices that I would expect to see is that the helmet would basically melt - become soft and pliable. Pliable enough so that one could stick their finger through it or make permanent dents.

Most of you seem to be worrying about something that is well beyond your expertise and trying to enforce an unwritten rule that is based upon inappropriate conjecture.

Do any of you even know what the structural strength requirements are for a helmet? Do you know that the structural integrity has changed because Sally painted finger nail polish onto her helmet? Any of you material scientist check with Big Foot as to what type of paints he uses? Do those types make a difference?

You vigilantes need to mellow out. Maybe start worring about what kind of grass is growing in the outfield... I've heard that Kentucky blue grass can cause some severe abdominal allergic reactions ... if you eat 32.783 pounds of it... under a full moon.

The requirement for the proper stamp is the only requirement you can enforce unless some other uneducated idiot has managed to get an unwarranted league rule in place. Then I guess you'll have to enforce that too.

Good luck

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
Being an engineer and knowing a slight bit about material science...

Yes there is a possibility that certain hydrocarbon chemicals could affect the structural integrity of a plastic helmet. However, the result of poor paint choices that I would expect to see is that the helmet would basically melt - become soft and pliable. Pliable enough so that one could stick their finger through it or make permanent dents.

Most of you seem to be worrying about something that is well beyond your expertise and trying to enforce an unwritten rule that is based upon inappropriate conjecture.

Do any of you even know what the structural strength requirements are for a helmet? Do you know that the structural integrity has changed because Sally painted finger nail polish onto her helmet? Any of you material scientist check with Big Foot as to what type of paints he uses? Do those types make a difference?

You vigilantes need to mellow out. Maybe start worring about what kind of grass is growing in the outfield... I've heard that Kentucky blue grass can cause some severe abdominal allergic reactions ... if you eat 32.783 pounds of it... under a full moon.

The requirement for the proper stamp is the only requirement you can enforce unless some other uneducated idiot has managed to get an unwarranted league rule in place. Then I guess you'll have to enforce that too.

Good luck

DownTownTonyBrown:

I am a not a materials scientist, but I am an engineer (BE with a double major in civil/structual and mechanical/enigneering mechanics) and all I can say to your post is:

AMEN BROTHER!!

MTD, Sr.

[Dakota]

What is this? The geek board? (I'm also an engineer, and know a more than a little about chemical engineering and materials science, but I rarely bring that to this board.)

Talk about mellowing out - DTTB, take a pill!

Without going back and re-reading this entire thread, if memory servers, the predominate view is... (exception to all of this - LL)

1. There's no rule regarding paint in ASA, or most other organizations.

2. While it is possible improper painting can damage a helmet, this is mostly a warranty issue between the manufacturer and the owner, and does not involve the rules of the game.

3. Officials who take it upon themselves to not allow painted helmets in the game are not backed up by the rules.

4. If the NOCSAE stamp and warning label is visible, that is all that is required. Paint is not an issue.

Chill, will ya?

[DownTownTonyBrown]

Thanks Dakota,

It appears that you feel the same as do I (your list is right on) just I'm not quite as subtle.