Catcher's Head Gear
Posted: 10/2/2012
Q.: My son wears the Old School Pro Style helmet and mask. At a game this weekend the umpire told him that the helmet was illegal. Tonight the umpires said they were unaware of this ruling. Could you please clarify this for me?
A.: It is probably illegal. The catcher’s helmet must protect the ears and have a throat protector. A catcher is required to wear head protection with double ear flaps that meets the NOCSAE standard. He will be told to get a legal helmet-and-mask combination. If he does not comply, he will be ejected.
Rule 1 – Players, Field and Equipment
SECTION 5 PLAYER EQUIPMENT
ART. 4 . . . The catcher's helmet and mask combination shall meet the NOCSAE standard. Any helmet or helmet and mask combination shall have full ear protection (dual ear flaps). A throat protector, which is either a part of or attached to the catcher's mask, is mandatory. A throat protector shall adequately cover the throat. The commercially manufactured catcher's head, face and throat protection may be a one-piece or multi-piece design. While in a crouch position, any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location shall wear a head protector, a mask with a throat protector and a protective cup (male only).
PENALTY: Failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall result in ejection.
The NFHS rule was passed in 2003 and implemented in 2005.
