coach with a crutch

[AtlUmpSteve]

I have allowed base coaches with crutches in NFHS play. Several thoughts I used:

The school has designated that person a coach, and the school is ultimately accountable under NFHS (and your state association) guidelines. Not like recreation ball where the coaches are volunteers.

There is no clear rule saying the coach cannot. I won't hang on that being unapproved equipment; that isn't remotely the intent of that rule. Using that, you would refuse a coach wearing an insulin pump on the belt? A soft boot? Then, instead, you would put that person in greater danger of further injury by mandating the (apparently medically needed) crutch be left behind? You can couch it as I gave the coach the choice to NOT be there, but you won't win that one. And, absent a clear rule, I feel I assumed zero added liability when the school had designated that person as their coach.

I have had elderly coaches (even in NCAA) that had such limited mobility and slow reactions that I was scared for them. I can't keep them off the bases; not keeping another coach with limited mobility that appears to have (at least) reasonable reactions.

I did make sure the coach realized that s/he was responsible for avoiding interference, and that her limited mobility made that a greater possibility. Again, placing responsibility back to the head coach during the plate meeting, as NFHS does, places accountability back to the school.