Please advise specifically on the NFHS rule concerning catchers headgear.
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Must be certified (NOCSE I think are the initials but can't remember) AND cover the ear entirely.
Most HS catchers use hockey style as the combo setups are too small and skull caps are illegal (even batters helmets with earflaps aren't allowed).
Personally, I wish skull caps were alllowed in HS.
Most HS catchers use hockey style as the combo setups are too small and skull caps are illegal (even batters helmets with earflaps aren't allowed).
Personally, I wish skull caps were alllowed in HS.
Thanks, I appreciate the reply. I share your view. Has anyone actually seen the rule, as in page #,article #,etc. I believe that the rule(if it actually exists) is short-sighted and small minded. From a safety,visual,and comfort standpoint the hockey style provides nothing beneficial. Thanks
CJS, I have to disagree with you. There have been studies done that show that the two-piece may absorb the baseball more, however, the mask can only do it's job when it is on. I believe the hockey style provides a better opportunity for the catcher to keep the mask on. You have to remember that we're not just worried about foul-tips. Think about plays at the plate and you have the ball coming, you have the baserunner coming, and you're looking at some sort of collision.
In the Federation Rule Book on page 16 look at rule1-5 Art. 3-4 about what the catcher should wear.
quote:Originally posted by CJS:
Thanks, I appreciate the reply. I share your view. Has anyone actually seen the rule, as in page #,article #,etc. I believe that the rule(if it actually exists) is short-sighted and small minded. From a safety,visual,and comfort standpoint the hockey style provides nothing beneficial. Thanks
The rule isn't to provide more protection against the ball but the backswing of a bat. Fed wants the ears covered for this possibility. There are two piece masks that fit the spec but it has to be tested together. You can't use a Rawlings and a Spaulding together.
Actually vision with the hockey style is fine and does offer good protection. My son initally didn't like them but after wearing one the past 3 years, he really likes it.
Am fanscinated with the new Wilson hockey style with the shock absorbers built in that attach to the face mask. Saw it in the CWS last year for the 1st time (think it was the Oregon State catcher). Sure seems like a smart idea.
CJS, does the coach preach keeping the mask on all the time except for pop ups? The hockey style is pretty good to have on plays at the plate but easy to remove for pops.
I played with skull caps back in the dinosaur era...never used a metal bat if that tells you anything...so that's really the cause for my preference to skull caps. That, and they're cooler during the summer. Actually experimented with velcro and some adhesives last fall in making something where you could put interchangeable ice/cool packs inside the hockey helmet...worked well except the adhesive failed after awhile. Gut feeling is some engineer could do this easily with the right adhesive technology. My son loved it during the 90-95F days in August/September.
Am fanscinated with the new Wilson hockey style with the shock absorbers built in that attach to the face mask. Saw it in the CWS last year for the 1st time (think it was the Oregon State catcher). Sure seems like a smart idea.
CJS, does the coach preach keeping the mask on all the time except for pop ups? The hockey style is pretty good to have on plays at the plate but easy to remove for pops.
I played with skull caps back in the dinosaur era...never used a metal bat if that tells you anything...so that's really the cause for my preference to skull caps. That, and they're cooler during the summer. Actually experimented with velcro and some adhesives last fall in making something where you could put interchangeable ice/cool packs inside the hockey helmet...worked well except the adhesive failed after awhile. Gut feeling is some engineer could do this easily with the right adhesive technology. My son loved it during the 90-95F days in August/September.