Newbie Question

[derwil]

First year in FP SB. Working NFHS in Alabam. Most of the umpires in this association don not wear chest protectors. Is this wierd? Do most umps wear them? I bought a Pro-Nine CP...is this one OK? What would you all suggest?

Thanks

[RKBUmp]

We had an ump show up to one of my daughters junior high games and he wore no equipment at all, including no face mask. He said junior high girls dont throw hard enough to get hurt. Little did he know that the pitcher could throw in the mid 50's.

I know a couple of guys that dont wear chest protectors, but, I dont like being hit and even a couple of the hits I have taken on the chest protector have still not been real comfortable. Cant imagine what they would have felt like with nothing on. My biggest worry would be taking a ball to a collar bone. Doubt much real damage would be done to ribs other than just hurt like heck, but taking a direct shot to a collar bone would certainly end up broken.

[senorazul]

When I first started almost twenty years ago, it was rare that a fast pitch umpire would wear a chest protector. Over the years, I think wearing one is now more common. I used to go without one, until I took one right in the collarbone. I use the Shutt compression style cp designed for fp sb. I love it. Your Pro nine should work well.

[Skahtboi]

Yes, it is extremely weird to me when people don't want to do everything in their power to prevent themselves from injury. The Pro 9 is an excellent chest protector if you are talking about this model. It is the one I use for all level of ball from college down to the kids.

[shipwreck]

I too use the Pro 9 like pictured in the previous post. I love it. Dave

[SethPDX]

Yes, going without a CP is weird to me. But a few years back our HS association actually had to tell everyone that it was mandatory--there were still a few veterans who did not wear one. I use the Honig's K1 for softball and baseball and love it.

[3afan]

its just dumb not to wear a chest protector ... even a 30 mph ball can break a clavicle (clooarbone) if it hits just right.

[CajunNewBlue]

I find it totally stoopid that NFHS doesn't list a chest protector nor shin guards (if memory serves) as required umpire equipment.... maybe they want us to get hurt? or just maybe they think that COMMON sense would dictate what a umpire would wear?
We have a few guys in our association that wear nothing but a face mask (well ok, they wear the required uniform too ) and I didn't start using a nad protective device till last year (deedudee, here's your sign) kinda weird how protecting the nads reduces flinching on low pitches ..lol

[DaNewGuy]

It goes beyond the Ump getting hurt. We've contracted to officiate a game. We're the binding arbitrator (don't we wish the coaches and fans truly believed that). An umpire hurt becomes an umpire less efficient. An umpire hurt to the point of leaving a game leaves the game without proper coverage. The chest protector may be a little uncomfortable in the hottest of weather, but in general it's part of the assurance you bring to the game. Trying to be macho about it is, to me, putting ego before responsibility. Wear the CP.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Page 19 of the NFHS 2008 and 2009 Umpires Manual has the following:

A mask with a throat protector is required in FP...

The inside-style chest protector and leg guards are strongly recommended in both FP & SP.

Shoes should be solid black with no white or colored markings.

A ball bag is mandatory for the plate umpire.

The fitted cap shall be navy blue and is mandatory for all umpires. The fitted cap shall never be worn backwards.

Male umpires shall wear a protective cup.

So there are some clear requirements and some strong suggestions.

Ted

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

The inside-style chest protector and leg guards are strongly recommended in both FP & SP.

Male umpires shall wear a protective cup.

Curious as to why they're more interested in protecting our twigs 'n' giggleberries than they are in protecting our hearts, ribs and collarbones.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Curious as to why they're more interested in protecting our twigs 'n' giggleberries than they are in protecting our hearts, ribs and collarbones.

Perhaps they are hoping we will produce the future generations of arbiters.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Perhaps they are hoping we will produce the future generations of arbiters.

Well, they may be right, considering my father was an umpire before me.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Curious as to why they're more interested in protecting our twigs 'n' giggleberries than they are in protecting our hearts, ribs and collarbones.

Guess its easier to administer resuscitation when your heart stops from a chest hit... than the former. (don't even know what kinda rehab you'd have to get for a lower unit shot) although one of my good friends told me about his lower unit getting mashed by a grounder that jumped up and bit him while he was working the bases (I've worn a cup ever since... on the plate... not the bases )

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

Guess its easier to administer resuscitation when your heart stops from a chest hit... than the former. (don't even know what kinda rehab you'd have to get for a lower unit shot) although one of my good friends told me about his lower unit getting mashed by a grounder that jumped up and bit him while he was working the bases (I've worn a cup ever since... on the plate... not the bases )

Don't know 'bout you, but I'm sure there are a few Hot Moms in the stands I'd love to see try.