CA CIF umpires, facemask rule?

[RKBUmp]

Been reading on another forum that supposedly CA is mandating defensive facemasks for pitchers starting this year. I have searched all over the CIF website and cannot find any mention of this rule. Doing some internet searching I also find mention of this supposedly being mandated back in 2011 for the 2012 season, but dont think this every happened either.

Any truth to this rumor? If it is true, do you have a link to where the rule is posted?

[Chess Ref]

We just had our first HS meeting in Northern Cal. Unless it's a So Cal thing, I heard nothing. I pay attention in class and I'm sure nothing was said about that.

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

We just had our first HS meeting in Northern Cal. Unless it's a So Cal thing, I heard nothing. I pay attention in class and I'm sure nothing was said about that.

Thanks. I have been all over the CIF site and cannot find anything even mentioning it. On top of that, I dont think legally they can mandate equipment that does not carry the NOCSAE seal, and as far as I know none of the defensive facemasks are NOCSAE approved.

Probably just some parents who think the masks should be mandatory spreading rumors they know nothing about.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

On top of that, I dont think legally they can mandate equipment that does not carry the NOCSAE seal.

Not all equipment that is required for safety purposes is subjected to any NOCSAE standard. For example, chest protectors and shin guards are mandated for catchers, and those don't have any kind of seal.

I don't think there's any legal issue with requiring equipment that is meant to enhance safety if it doesn't conform to some nonexistent standard. If there really was a concern, then those masks wouldn't be allowed on the field to begin with.

[RKBUmp]

Agreed on the chest and shin guards, but they also dont deal with head and face injuries. It appears that any equipment dealing with head and face that is mandated does have the NOCSAE seal.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Agreed on the chest and shin guards, but they also dont deal with head and face injuries. It appears that any equipment dealing with head and face that is mandated does have the NOCSAE seal.

This is true and for good reason. Just as we had loads of daddy-produced face cages on helmets, I could imagine a lot of variations of "masks" we would see if there were no standards in place.

[Insane Blue]

I work with San Diego and Southern Sections. I read every memo that is put out for the sports I work and have not seen or heard of this.

Chalk it up to urban legends or make it the 21st myth of Softball