catching equipment

[UmpireErnie]

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?

Well..let me put it this way. After the catcher warming up the pitcher while not wearing a mask gets taken away to the hospital because she took a pitch in the face.. when you get called to a deposition for the lawsuit the parents file against the school, coach, league, umpire, and ball manufacturer and they ask you if you noticed the catcher taking pitches without equipment required by rule what are you going to say?

Obviously we are not focused that much on what happens off the field but if you see this happen, stop the game and require that the catcher wear the required equipment. Only takes a moment.