I'm seeing some leagues do it. I'm actually the driving force for one of my leagues to adopt a mask requirement for pitchers.
I don't think that's such a good idea. Encourage, yes, but requiring a mask can open a whole new can of worms.
What if the mask fails, resulting in serious injury to the pitcher? For example, a line drive is hit up the middle, breaks the mask, and a piece flies into the pitcher's eye. You might be on the hook for damages, as you "required" that piece of equipment that has not undergone any standardized safety certification (such as NOCSAE).
This is precisely why you haven't seen any of the major associations (ASA, USSSA, NSA, etc.) go this route. These pieces of equipment haven't been properly tested by an independent organization capable of determining proper safety protections. Players are still welcome to wear these masks, but it's their decision to do so.
Secondly, whose responsibility will it be to determine what masks are "legal" and what masks aren't? Will there be pre-game safety inspections? Are you going to educate your umpires on what to look for when examining these masks? Sure, common sense dictates that if the mask is cracked, it's no longer fit for use on the field. However, most slow pitch umpires aren't used to being so diligent when checking equipment (it's more of a fast pitch thing), and hell, we're having troubles getting umpires to check bats before the game. Now they're supposed to check more equipment? Your mileage there may vary.
While I believe your heart is absolutely in the right place in wanting to prevent serious injuries, I would advise caution before mandating extra equipment beyond what has been tried, tested and certified by a proper authority.
That's just my $0.02.
I know you're a computer geek...I'm one too (kinda).Oh, and full disclosure. I'm not a lawyer. I'm a computer geek. So take my "legal advice" with a grain of salt.
I am, however, just relaying some of the arguments I've heard over the years from various associations regarding the mandating of these masks, and why they haven't done it themselves.
I know you're a computer geek...I'm one too (kinda).
It's a small 12 team league that does an excellent job of self regulating. Zero issues with altered bats, fights (some arguing, but that's all), etc. Teams are going to be provided with a mask to start the season (undecided on Combat, Worth, or Rip-It), and they're responsible for making sure that it's at the field. No mask = forfeit, or more likely the opposing team will lend you theirs. Masks are to be checked by the team for damage before games and after any shot to it. Players can wear a different mask or helmet of their choosing if they so prefer.
Players will also likely sign a waiver absolving the league and players of liability in the event of mask failure from both proper and improper usage.
It's not a very high level league, though the teams are evenly matched for the most part. Nobody aims for pitchers, but being that it's low level, some players do struggle with bat control and occasionally will send one through the box. And even then we're talking about guys who can't sniff 300'...with a handful of exceptions.
Oh, and full disclosure. I'm not a lawyer. I'm a computer geek. So take my "legal advice" with a grain of salt.
I am, however, just relaying some of the arguments I've heard over the years from various associations regarding the mandating of these masks, and why they haven't done it themselves.
All this time I thought you were an umpire.....
If a base coach can sue a child for a ruptured Achilles after he threw his helmet in celebration. Everyone can get sued for anything.
But, I would think that if you say a safety device is needed and that the user has to determine whether or not the device itself is sufficient to sustain possible impact. The responsibility goes back to the player.
I've been seeing some little leagues around me requiring a pitchers/fielders mask for certain age groups, which I am recently liking now that my younger sister has started to play. I grew up playing without one, but I know the risks and would be more calm watching my sister play wearing one.
It's kind of the same debate that girls lacrosse and field hockey had when goggles were becoming introduced and mandated into the sport...it started with younger groups and now the collegiate level has to wear protective head gear. I think I would have been hesitant to wearing a mask, especially if I had to suddenly wear one after playing without it for so long, but after doing a lot of research, pitching masks make a lot of sense. I found a good breakdown of questions and research here, http://www.pitchershelmet.com/
I'm seeing some leagues do it. I'm actually the driving force for one of my leagues to adopt a mask requirement for pitchers.
This would be a bit of a Catch22 in my league. Lets say these masks are mandated and they are also certified and tested to achieve some sort of certification, this would cause a few teams in my league to have reason to freely hit shots at the pitcher. I wish our league and all the teams were a bit more on the same page of playing lower division rec softball and simply just have fun playing the game safely and fairly.
#1 Is the pitcher in fair territory and where is the largest hole in the infield?
The game has always had its risks and if you are not comfortable with those risks, maybe you should find another sport.
#1 Is the pitcher in fair territory and where is the largest hole in the infield?