catching equipment

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

Would we be required to "rule" on such a 2nd pitcher warming up issue that is occurring outside the confines of the playing field? If I glance over to DBT and see a catcher w/o a mask on, is that something that I really need to be concerned with?

Yes. Your legal responsibility and (therefore) liability starts when you can see it happen and do nothing. Knowing there is a rule to protect that minor and deciding to ignore it (for any reason) is, at least, negligence, and most likely a jury will consider as gross negligence.

In ASA, the requirement is universal, anywhere an umpire can see inside the complex. In NFHS, they can only legally warm up in the defined warm-up area which must be adjacent to the field and within the view of the umpires (FOR A REASON!!).

In NCAA, only a student-athlete catcher receiving the 5 warmup pitches at home plate is required to wear a mask.