Legal or Illegal Catcher's Mask

[whiskers_ump]

I have a question about the catchers mask. Last year I was told that my catchers mask was not in compliance because it didn't have the tag on the cage. I ordered a new one out of the 07 book and I got the same mask just a new version. I use All Star and they have the stamp on the shell but not the cage, but the picture of the stamp shows the total package. What is the rule? When I read it there is some grey areas.

Thank You

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

I have a question about the catchers mask. Last year I was told that my catchers mask was not in compliance because it didn't have the tag on the cage. I ordered a new one out of the 07 book and I got the same mask just a new version. I use All Star and they have the stamp on the shell but not the cage, but the picture of the stamp shows the total package. What is the rule? When I read it there is some grey areas.

Thank You

Are you talking about the one that you use for umpiring? For what sanctioning body were you told this? I have heard of nothing, from any organization that deems an umpire's mask without the NOCSAE or any other seal to be illegal.

[whiskers_ump]

Sorry should have been clear.

Coaches question.....

[Skahtboi]

If you are talking about NFHS, then the mask doesn't have to bear a stamp or any other type of marking. Only the helmet is required to have the NOCSAE stamp on it. I believe this is true with ASA as well, though I don't have those rule books with me to make sure.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

I have a question about the catchers mask. Last year I was told that my catchers mask was not in compliance because it didn't have the tag on the cage.

The person who told you this was getting the approval label for batting helmet / cage confused with the approval label for catcher's helmet/cage.

For batters, both the helmet and the cage must carry a NOCSAE approval label. This is because they may be purchased together or separately.

For catchers, the NOCSAE label is embossed into the helmet and shows a picture of a helmet with a cage. The catcher's, helmet / cage must be purchased as a combined unit, hence, the different label.

Batter's helmet label:


Catcher's helmet label: