Vindication! (finally)

[WestMichBlue]

ASA and the "Helmet."

I switched to the helmet five years ago, which meant that I was not wearing a hat during the game. I wear a hat to the field, and up to the throwdown after the initial warm-up pitches. Then I tuck the hat into the fence next to my water bottle and kitchen timer, and p/u and put on the helmet for the rest of the game. At the end of the game I put the hat back on and exit the field.

I received assurances from both our State H.S. and State ASA associations that this would be acceptable for tournaments. I worked both high school tournaments and the ASA State JO tournament wearing the helmet.

But I received a lot of grief here, and on other umpire boards from the ASA purists for being "out of uniform." At my age, I have no interest in traveling outside my area to call tournaments, so advancing to regional or national tournaments is not on my agenda. Thus I kept wearing the helmet.

ASA moves slow - but they do move. Today I received from our state ASA association a letter from Kevin Ryan officially sanctioning the wearing of a helmet without a hat. Kevin does say that he wants umpires to buy a helmet that will allow for wearing a hat - BUT - for those that do not have that style - being without a hat is acceptable!

The complete text:

06-23-08

All,

We have been asked many times recently about the ability to wear a helmet mask by the plate umpire without a cap. As we all know the helmet style mask is relatively new to softball umpiring. We have said in the past that our uniform includes a cap for all the umpires on the field. However; we have also seen where a cap can make the helmet mask fit incorrectly. There are helmet masks available and made to accept a cap underneath it. Where we strongly recommend that if a plate umpire decides to wear a helmet mask they purchase the one that will accept a cap underneath it. It is also strongly recommended that a cap should be worn underneath it, should a plate umpire wear a helmet mask. If an umpire does wear a helmet style mask and can not fit a cap underneath it remember they will not be like the rest of their crew, but it will be allowed.

Kevin Ryan
ASA Supervisor of Umpires



(emphasis mine)

WMB

[Skahtboi]

I am still not a fan of umpires running around with their hair all mussed up. I just don't think it looks very professional.

[ntxblue]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I am still not a fan of umpires running around with their hair all mussed up.

I haven't had that problem since the 80's . . .

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by ntxblue

I haven't had that problem since the 80's . . .

Eh...you still have more than I do.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I am still not a fan of umpires running around with their hair all mussed up. I just don't think it looks very professional.

I don't wear that style helmet, however, I solved the mussed up look.

I SHAVED my head.

[IN ASA BLUE]

I have considered going to the helmet because of an incident last year. I made a stupid mistake and ducked on a foul ball, needless to say the next thing I knew I was looking up, flat on my back and several people over me calling my name.

Problem is, of all the ones I have tried on I have not been able to find one that feels comfortable and that I can remove quickly without hitting my glasses and dislodging them. Granted it may not be adjusted properly yet and/or I have not had very much practice with it.

I actually come from a Hockey background and played goalie for many years with the old fiberglass type mask, so when I find one I think Ican adjust to fit I will like it much better.

As for the hair, I wear mine very short, but realize that is not always the case with all umpires.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by IN ASA BLUE

I have considered going to the helmet because of an incident last year. I made a stupid mistake and ducked on a foul ball, needless to say the next thing I knew I was looking up, flat on my back and several people over me calling my name.

Problem is, of all the ones I have tried on I have not been able to find one that feels comfortable and that I can remove quickly without hitting my glasses and dislodging them. Granted it may not be adjusted properly yet and/or I have not had very much practice with it.

I actually come from a Hockey background and played goalie for many years with the old fiberglass type mask, so when I find one I think Ican adjust to fit I will like it much better.

As for the hair, I wear mine very short, but realize that is not always the case with all umpires.

Recommendations:
1. Don't duck.
2. Get contacts or lasik.

[7in60]

At the clinic I attended this year an ump told me he switched to a goalie-style helmet (All Star, I believe) because he took one square in the mask last year and got a concussion. I bought one (Nike Pro Gold) a couple summers ago but I cannot wear a hat under it, so I just sold it on ebay (for a $10 profit!) and ordered a Diamond one.

[IN ASA BLUE]

Originally Posted by SRW

Recommendations:
1. Don't duck.
2. Get contacts or lasik.

1. Amen!!! I have since been hit in the mask several times. Only took once to learn that lesson

2. Tried contacts, couldn't wear them. That was years ago, may give it another shot. I looked into Lasik, and can't afford it. Payments were pretty high and being a full time college student, I can't afford any more debt right now.

[Skahtboi]

^Now that is what I call redundancy.^

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by IN ASA BLUE

...Problem is, of all the ones I have tried on I have not been able to find one that feels comfortable and that I can remove quickly without hitting my glasses and dislodging them. Granted it may not be adjusted properly yet and/or I have not had very much practice with it....

Maybe BuggBob's goggles would work? Heck it's worth a try if you insist on wearing it.

[Stu Clary]

You guys have hair?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

I don't wear that style helmet, however, I solved the mussed up look.

I SHAVED my head.

I have been known to do that myself, though right about now I am sporting really short hair, where I have it that is.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

ASA and the "Helmet."

I switched to the helmet five years ago, which meant that I was not wearing a hat during the game. I wear a hat to the field, and up to the throwdown after the initial warm-up pitches. Then I tuck the hat into the fence next to my water bottle and kitchen timer, and p/u and put on the helmet for the rest of the game. At the end of the game I put the hat back on and exit the field.

I received assurances from both our State H.S. and State ASA associations that this would be acceptable for tournaments. I worked both high school tournaments and the ASA State JO tournament wearing the helmet.

But I received a lot of grief here, and on other umpire boards from the ASA purists for being "out of uniform." At my age, I have no interest in traveling outside my area to call tournaments, so advancing to regional or national tournaments is not on my agenda. Thus I kept wearing the helmet.

ASA moves slow - but they do move. Today I received from our state ASA association a letter from Kevin Ryan officially sanctioning the wearing of a helmet without a hat. Kevin does say that he wants umpires to buy a helmet that will allow for wearing a hat - BUT - for those that do not have that style - being without a hat is acceptable!

The complete text:

06-23-08

All,

We have been asked many times recently about the ability to wear a helmet mask by the plate umpire without a cap. As we all know the helmet style mask is relatively new to softball umpiring. We have said in the past that our uniform includes a cap for all the umpires on the field. However; we have also seen where a cap can make the helmet mask fit incorrectly. There are helmet masks available and made to accept a cap underneath it. Where we strongly recommend that if a plate umpire decides to wear a helmet mask they purchase the one that will accept a cap underneath it. It is also strongly recommended that a cap should be worn underneath it, should a plate umpire wear a helmet mask. If an umpire does wear a helmet style mask and can not fit a cap underneath it remember they will not be like the rest of their crew, but it will be allowed.

Kevin Ryan
ASA Supervisor of Umpires
(emphasis mine)

WMB

Another GAGA decision. Personally, I would never recommend this equipment for an umpire.

There is no doubt that they offer the maximum amount of protection to an umpire's head from injury. I'm sure this may not be true for all, but the feedback I have received concerning this piece of equipment is that it is a snug fit.

A member of my staff which works both big and little ball is being treated for a whiplash injury which has been attributed to the helmet mask he was wearing at the time he took a hard foul to the face.

When an umpire wearing a regular mask gets hit with a foul and the mask ends up pushed to the side of his/her head, it may look funny and silly, but that is exactly what should happen. That "give" keeps the brunt of the impact from being felt by the umpire. Given my druthers, I'd rather have a few people laugh at me for a couple of seconds than risk neck injury.

JMHO

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

There is no doubt that they offer the maximum amount of protection to an umpire's head from injury. I'm sure this may not be true for all, but the feedback I have received concerning this piece of equipment is that it is a snug fit.

Think football helmet, with a ring of padding around the crown of the head. That is the protection you speak of; also the reason why hats don't fit.

When an umpire wearing a regular mask gets hit with a foul and the mask ends up pushed to the side of his/her head, it may look funny and silly, but that is exactly what should happen. That "give" keeps the brunt of the impact from being felt by the umpire.

If you get hit square in the center of the face mask it doesn't turn; you absorb all the energy of the ball. I had an 80 mph baseball pitch put me flat on my back with my old iron cage.

Because of the angle of the helmet, most hits to the head will deflect off the helmet. The backstop absorbs the energy rather than your head.

Besides the safety issue, the helmet - IMO - is more comfortable to wear; cooler and with better visability.

There must be some reason why every BB and SB catcher in the country, from T-ball to MLB is wearing the helmet. Even MLB umpires are now wearing it.

Yes, the hair gets messed up. I try to keep my hair short during the season, and the comb comes out a few times between innings.

WMB