It's time to quit complaining and to do something about it

[ErieDiamonds02]

I make it mandatory on my summer teams. If you dont want to wear one on the infield, I even make 2nd and short wear them. You dont play its just that simple as coaches we might have to sacrifice wins for safety and I for one am perfectly fine with that. The governing bodies (ASA especially) wont do a darn thing unless their pockets are getting lined

 

[Slugger]

Coachjwb - Sorry. I did go back and reread it. You are correct. I thought there was somebody or organization was preventing a player from wearing protection. Although I don’t understand a rule for something that you can already do.

But after rereading the thread, I did see the reason some people want it mandatory… From Pacerdad57 - “gaining acceptance of the mandatory wearing of protective masks. It has been stated that a number of college coaches (by no means all of them) take a dim view of a girl wearing a mask. This is the antiquated outlook that we are trying to get changed.”

That above statement I don’t understand. It sounds like people want a rule so their player doesn’t feel that she is different. I would suggest, just be a parent and don’t worry about what other people think.

This is by far the best statement on this thread… From DanMaz - “WEAR IT AND BE PROUD.” I agree with this statement. 1000%

Coachjwb - I’m not trying to belittle your cause. I actually get it. We had a player in our state take a ball to the chest and die. My son and daughter used/use a chest protector under their uniform. We didn’t need a rule. I have a question, why don’t more players wear them?

As opposed to trying to get a rule put in place. Maybe it would be easier to just educate the players and parents. Just a thought.

 

[coachjwb]

Yossarian ... lots of excellent points ... getting physician support, the online petition thing, and the equipment standard ... thanks!

 

[Pacerdad57]

I wonder if any of the governing bodies would want to be the first to require it. The comment Mike Craig mentioned about the NSA being worried about a lawsuit, for instance. They probably don?t want to require it and then be sued when someone still incurs some sort of injury despite wearing the mask (nothing one of their lawyers couldn't fix with some CYA language). Those organizations may also be worried about their revenue.


Seems like you have to target those orgs plus maybe the NCAA? Maybe with a general campaign that highlights player injury stories. Like someone else said, it would help if you had someone with personal experience, or a group of someones. Maybe you could find some physician(s) who's vocal about it?


WearTheMask.org is available for $15


You can create an online petition and embed in your site or blog: https://www.change.org/petition
If you build awareness via Fastpitch forums like this one, you could invite people to like your site/facebook/twitter/etc to contribute stories and photos.




Re: the NCAA?


This article talked about the NCAA not being ready to enforce masks because "because the equipment is in the early stages of development, and there's not enough research available to ensure that a product exists that would truly protect players."


http://www.recordonline.com/article/20150531/SPORTS/150539934


It also talked about NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment)


"NOCSAE sets the standards the NCAA uses for batting and football helmets, but the organization does not yet have a standard for softball facemasks for defensive players."

I don't know why an sanctioning body would NOT want to be involved with it. It would certainly bring their attempt at player safety to the forefront. Take a look at all the bad press football (nfl) received over the lack of protective devices against a concussion and it's long term effects. The pee wee programs have certainly taken a hit over head injuries, I have seen articles about lower participation levels. This would certainly make the sanctioning body at least appear proactive to the problem.
If the sanctioning bodies go so far as to allow the inevitable to occur, they will be in a LOT worse situation legally than the one they will find themselves in for trying to protect players. I'm not even sure why trying to mandate masks would put a sanctioning body at risk of a lawsuit other than the fact that some people will sue someone over anything.

 

[coachjwb]

Slugger ... education is critical, and should be a part of what we do ... thanks for saying that ... but to me only a short-term interim solution until it's mandated. Education would be easier, just not as effective ... you can't educate everyone, and there are others who think they don't need educated. If wearing a batting helmet can be mandated, why does this have to be any different? I see irresponsible parents all the time ... we need to protect the children. And no, those playing under NCAA rules aren't children, but I think their acceptance would be not only a great example, but would actually drive implementation downward.

 

[DanMaz]

NOCSAE -- brings up a thought. If the facemasks are not certified under NOCSAE like all helmets facemasks are..... might not be able to mandate it until they are. What if you mandate without the certification and then lets say a mask fails... and maybe someone gets hurt from the mask.. ?? maybe a piece of the mask bends or a weld breaks and the child gets hurt from the mask... possible lawsuit if you make them wear something not certified? hmmm... any lawyers out there? just trying to look at it from all angles.

 

[coachjwb]

I'm getting a ton of interest now from people who want to help. My plan is to get a final list by the end of this week, and then pull together a phone conference call sometime next week to discuss a plan forward and to divvy up some homework. If you've already responded, thank you ... please make sure I have your e-mail address at least so I can communicate to everyone and to eventually distribute an agenda. If you haven't and are interested, please do so ... the more, the better! Meanwhile, I need to get back to work!

 

[cobb_of_fury]

NOCSAE -- brings up a thought. If the facemasks are not certified under NOCSAE like all helmets facemasks are..... might not be able to mandate it until they are. What if you mandate without the certification and then lets say a mask fails... and maybe someone gets hurt from the mask.. ?? maybe a piece of the mask bends or a weld breaks and the child gets hurt from the mask... possible lawsuit if you make them wear something not certified? hmmm... any lawyers out there? just trying to look at it from all angles.

Is anyone aware of any incidents where the mask 'could' be the cause of the injury? - Two players running in to each other and one being hurt by the others mask or a player falling and hurting her self because she hit the mask? These kind of issues will make it hard for a governing body to mandate them, since they will become liable and in this litigious society someone will be sued.

 

[Caines03]

This is all good stuff. Great to see some movement on this.

 

[Mike_Craig_-_Ohio USSSA]

Some of the discussion after the board nixed it was that with batting helmets and catchers/umpire gear there was a defined standard which was NOCSAE. There is no defined standard for face masks that equipment manufacturers have to adhere to.

Any of us who have ever done any kind of dock or receiving/shipping work knows or has heard of ISO and there standards. I think at the time this passed the NSA was worried about a set of standards and who governs it and would it be acceptable state-to-state. This might have been one decision that NSA was actually thinking correctly on because a lawyer could pick it apart in a lawsuit.

"NOCSAE sets the standards the NCAA uses for batting and football helmets, but the organization does not yet have a standard for softball facemasks for defensive players."

 

[Coach_Tom]

NOCSAE has standards for fielder's headgear already:

http://nocsae.org/standards/baseball-softball/

They are just not universally adopted because no one requires them.

 

[daboss]

How many years did vehicles have safety belts installed before laws made it mandatory to put them on? Vehicles came out originally with lap belts (either as an option or as standard equipment) long before the shoulder strap was introduced. Was the lap belt ever made mandatory to use? Did you ever know why it took so many years before a law was passed making it mandatory? There are more people driving than playing softball and always have been. Even race cars were not required to have belts for years yet drivers "chose" to use them. Do people that wear safety belts today still get killed in everyday driving incidents?

My point was already made by another and my stance on the subject is still the same. There is no rule you cannot wear them. there is no rule you give up your religion and refuse to play softball on Saturday or Sunday. These things come by choice. I won't tell anyone how to raise their kids unless you ask. I won't get involved unless an illegal act such as abuse is obvious because it is none of my business. I won't tell TD's to not host games on Sunday because that is my Sabbath. Why wouldn't I want to champion for a rule like that? Because I'm willing to let others choose how they want to live their lives.

As for the teams or coaching staffs that don't want you to wear a mask, let me ask this question. Does that really make sense to you? It doesn't to me. If you have a coach dead set against your daughter wearing a safety mask why do you want to be in that program? If they feel that strongly against it they probably have other questionable faults that should be considered. Make a choice. Don't play for them. After all, it IS your choice. I know some of the high ranking college coaches in Fastpitch. We're not hang out buddies but when I've been around them and the subject HAS come up NONE have said they would not recruit or play a kid that wants to wear a safety mask. Those adult women are making a choice.

My opinion; make a choice in life. The face mask decision may be addressed when the time is right just like the safety belt situation was back in the day. Time needs to run it's course. Data needs to be collected before a rational decision about a rule can be put in place without legal ramifications that could jeopardize the sport. Until then, use your own good judgement and do what's right for you.

 

[Passion4theGame]

The sanctioning bodies will never make this mandatory till something bad happens. WE as coaches need to make a stand and have our girls wear the facemask. I CHALLENGE ALL coaches to implement a fielders mask rule for your teams. Lets see how many really care. you will ALWAYS see my girls wearing them infield and outfield. This is a rule on our team and I am very strict with it. Check up on us at tournaments and you will see I get no fuss and nobody "forgets" to have their fielders mask when taking the field.
KAOS '04 come check my 11 DDs out! Love them all and very proud of them.


Good Luck this season to all!
Jeff Hill
KAOS '04

 

[Pacerdad57]

NOCSAE has standards for fielder's headgear already:

http://nocsae.org/standards/baseball-softball/

They are just not universally adopted because no one requires them.

Good info Coach Tom, thanks!

 

[absolute59]

I know I am preaching to the choir but it is just plain insanity for players not to be wearing a mask. These masks can save lives and prevent serious injuries. We have all of our infielders wear masks not just corner positions.

We have one pitcher who has not worn an mask. However about 3 weeks ago I saw a video posted on this site of a high school girl pitcher who was hit in the face with a ball and knocked her down and knocked the mask off. It was scary and difficult to watch. Thankfully the girl was fine. Without the mask a tragedy would have occurred. We shared video with our pitcher's parents and she is now wearing a mask.

Although the organizations should all require girls to wear masks and we as coaches and parents should all get involved in making that happen, there is no reason that we as coaches cannot require the girls on each of our teams to wear a mask. For the parents or kids who complain or are reluctant just sit them down and have them watch a few of the videos on this site that show girls getting hit with a real shot were not only serious injured but were actually able to get up and continue. Those can be be very powerful persuasive tools.

 

[coachjwb]

One of my plans is to put together a "collection" of these videos ... anyone who has links not already on here, please e-mail to me at jffbaker3@gmail.com

I want to thank again for all of the support ... PM's and e-mails I am receiving. I know some of you are skeptics about our ability to be successful, and/or don't really support the mandating, but I have seen too many such videos and heard too many stories over the years that I just feel like I have to at least try. We may never be able to quantify our success, but I'm OK with that ...

 

[Louuuuu]

I'm Pro-Choice on his one. If you want your kid to wear a face mask, then do it. But don't tell me it's mandatory.

I believe we're reducing the skills of this generation of softball players putting a mask on them. Why? If a player understands that if they mis-play a ball, it could hit her in the face, then that player will probably learn how to play her position a lot quicker. It's a lot like how the auto industry is dumbing down the American driver by putting anti-lock brakes and skid control on all cars. Drivers don't have to pay attention any more.

We will never be able to protect our kids from every danger out there. We can do our best and wrap them up in face masks, chest protectors, elbow guards, etc... just to watch them get stung by a bee in centerfield. There will always be something out there that we can't protect our offspring from.

If the corners are in danger of taking a line drive in the face, then don't play them "in" so far.

Yes, there are always unfortunate accidents in all of sports. It's part of being athletic.

A few years back, I watched my daughter (pitching) take a line drive to the head. 'Dropped like she was shot. It took me about 5 seconds to get from the second level viewing deck at Spano Dome to the center of the infield. My heart was pounding. Louuuuuise gets up, and the first thing she said was "Oh great, now coach is going to make me wear a mask". (He didn't.) At 16 years old, my daughter could make her own decisions, and I would have supported her either way.

Once again, I'm not against the use of protective face masks. I believe it should be our choice. If someone chooses to let their kid play without a mask, well, this is America - we are allowed to make poor decisions as well as good ones..

 

[Passion4theGame]

I'm Pro-Choice on his one. If you want your kid to wear a face mask, then do it. But don't tell me it's mandatory.

I believe we're reducing the skills of this generation of softball players putting a mask on them. Why? If a player understands that if they mis-play a ball, it could hit her in the face, then that player will probably learn how to play her position a lot quicker. It's a lot like how the auto industry is dumbing down the American driver by putting anti-lock brakes and skid control on all cars. Drivers don't have to pay attention any more.

We will never be able to protect our kids from every danger out there. We can do our best and wrap them up in face masks, chest protectors, elbow guards, etc... just to watch them get stung by a bee in centerfield. There will always be something out there that we can't protect our offspring from.

If the corners are in danger of taking a line drive in the face, then don't play them "in" so far.

Yes, there are always unfortunate accidents in all of sports. It's part of being athletic.

A few years back, I watched my daughter (pitching) take a line drive to the head. 'Dropped like she was shot. It took me about 5 seconds to get from the second level viewing deck at Spano Dome to the center of the infield. My heart was pounding. Louuuuuise gets up, and the first thing she said was "Oh great, now coach is going to make me wear a mask". (He didn't.) At 16 years old, my daughter could make her own decisions, and I would have supported her either way.

Once again, I'm not against the use of protective face masks. I believe it should be our choice. If someone chooses to let their kid play without a mask, well, this is America - we are allowed to make poor decisions as well as good ones..

I totally disagree with you on this. How are we reducing the skills by mandating a facemask???? Is it because we care about the safety of our youth? I know a lot of teams play their 3rd even with the mound or closer. I know we do anyway.
I think its silly you have your daughter on the mound without a facemask.
Do you think by not wearing one her pitching is better? Does the facemask make her throw more balls? Oh wait, I bet you feel she wont get that D-1 scholarship if they see her with a facemask on right? You would be the parent in the stands making excuses if she has a bad game on the mound. When in reality they are kids and human. Nobody is perfect and bad games happen.
I don't know you or your daughter but I care about all these girls that play this sport I love so much.
I cringe every time I see a kid on the mound without a facemask. It blows my mind when parents allow their kid to make a decision like this. SMH...
I'm sure I will get lashed out for this post but I am passionate about this sport and the safety is a priority for me. I spent all my life playing, coaching, and loving the game of baseball and 8yrs ago I fell in love with fast pitch. From day one I was all about the fielders mask.
Lou I am guessing one thing here... you have probably been told at some point D-1 colleges will not make offers if your DD is wearing a facemask. I would like to hear some college coaches input on the fielders mask.




Jeff Hill
KAOS Fastpitch '04

 

[Louuuuu]

Lou I am guessing one thing here... you have probably been told at some point D-1 colleges will not make offers if your DD is wearing a facemask.

Jeff, I respect your opinion. But, for the record, my daughter played in college. Graduated. I'm just the retired softball parent spewing forth his years of wisdom (or delusion) now.

 

[crystlemc]

Louuuuu's DD isn't chasing a D1 scholarship. She is already in college, if not graduated...lol.

You not believing in personal choice is your choice. Ironic.

That being said, my DD has always worn the mask whenever she is in the dirt. We mandated it when she was young and gave her the choice when she hit high school. Her words, "I'm too pretty to take a shot to the face. The mask is part of my uniform. " I am glad she is a smart girl. I believe pitchers and corners should wear them. To me, that's common sense. But I also believe in personal liberty.