What's the rule on helmets in FP

[dsimp8]

for 2010? I'm hearing no painted helmets(airbrushed with girl's name on it) will be allowed. Is there a link to this? I'm trying to convince some parents of this so I need to get a link. I told them it was something to do with altering safety equipment and they didn't like that. Can anyone help?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by dsimp8

for 2010? I'm hearing no painted helmets(airbrushed with girl's name on it) will be allowed. Is there a link to this? I'm trying to convince some parents of this so I need to get a link. I told them it was something to do with altering safety equipment and they didn't like that. Can anyone help?

No, you need to provide a rule set

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by dsimp8

for 2010? I'm hearing no painted helmets(airbrushed with girl's name on it) will be allowed. Is there a link to this? I'm trying to convince some parents of this so I need to get a link. I told them it was something to do with altering safety equipment and they didn't like that. Can anyone help?

No such rule in ASA, NFHS (high school), or NCAA. Granted, the typical umpire does not (and cannot) know what paints may have altered the structural integrity of a helmet; and I accept that there may be such a paint that conceivably could.

However, I have seen thousands and thousands that were painted, and the material sure seemed the same to me, with just a new color (colors, or design) on top. Seems like overkill legislation to me by whomever may actually have such a rule.

[greymule]

Good grief! Let 'em decorate their helmets!

[wadeintothem]

I got other things to do than police helmet decor...

[Dakota]

I've read a time or two on the various boards and LL has such a rule, but I don't have access to a LL rule book to verify or refute.

Since helmets are made of plastic (petrochemical materials), and since many paints contain petrochemical solvents, it is possible that paint can weaken the helmet.

The following is from the Schutt web site:

Q. I want to paint my softball helmet myself is that ok?

A. We strongly recommend that Schutt® Sports Mfg. Co. or one of it’s approved NAERA member reconditioners apply the new paint, because of the very specific procedures that are required. Please contact Schutt® Sports Customer Service Department for information on approved reconditioner: 1-800-426-9784. If your softball helmet has labeling that says ”DO NOT PAINT” please do not attempt to paint it. If your helmet does not say this the approve paints are as follows: Color-Set INC, WURDACK, INC, Sherwin Williams Corp, AKZO/Sikkens, DuPont Corp, & Createx Brand.

[wadeintothem]

Wake me up if it ever voids my insurance.

[Bill S]

There are many more pressing issues.
Got better thing to do.