Chest Protector Options

[nzumpire]

Erica,

I am a female ISF Fastpitch umpire umpiring the Senior Division Men & Women (World Series Level)

I wear a WestVest hard shell protector for two reasons.

1 - I encourage all our umpires to invest in the best protection they can afford. The safer you feel, the more likely you are to stay in the slot and watch the pitch.

2 - Most women of a slighter build have to do something 'extra' to present the 'on-diamond presence' in the same way those umpires more solidly built do.

It does make you feel like "wonder-woman" to begin with until you get used to it. However I feel very confident wearing it and have been hit with foul tips from our NZ Black Sox pitchers without feeling anything and that is what all good chest protectors should do.



[Edited by nzumpire on Apr 6th, 2005 at 04:45 PM]