the problem with that, and i'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, is that the cost isn't just the increase in ASA, USSSA, PGF or whoever's insurance cost would go up. you're correct in that it wouldn't add that much in all probablity to the cost of the game. the true costs would have to be borne by the makers of the masks in acquiring certification, which as stated does not exist in the first place. the liability really comes into play when it affects the ones who don't have the ability to fight a personal injury case in court. you may be comfortable with standing in front of a judge and jury, but this could end up in a long court battle that could bankrupt any normal person or organization.
as it sits they are hiding behind the fact that masks aren't mandatory, therefore they don't require them, play the game at your own risk and they cannot be sued. not saying it's right, but until there is enough uproar over this situation to make certification a reality (and this isn't s quick thing to accomplish), nothing is going to be done along the lines of mandatory usage of a mask. it's just not going to happen.
and no, i've never heard of a mask failing on a direct hit, doesn't mean it cannot happen tho, and that is what keeps this vicious circle going. the liability is based on the fact that it COULD happen, so we will not get involved in making an un-certified piece of equipment mandatory.
at some point someone is going to get hurt well beyond what has happened so far, and maybe then, sadly once it is too late, something will be done. the one thing i can almost positively guarantee tho, at the point where a mask is made mandatory, you will have some people going off because they don't want to be told what to do, their child is quicker than the batted ball and don't need a mask, just don't like wearing a mask, you can't tell my child she has to wear that thing etc, etc, etc......
