Defensive Facemasks (Gamefaces)

[Gopher]

I know it is not a OHSAA OR NFHS rule that defensive facemasks be worn, but I would like to know what your school (coach) has to say about it.

School Policy ?

Coach Policy ?

Parental decision ?

[sox]

Gopher, topic of much discussion. I know in travel ball the 'word' is that the college coaches want to see the kids play without the facemask. I, as you can I am sure rattle off half-a-dozen kids that have been injured (local) due to that mentality in the last 6 months. Eastern has no school policy on the issue, but the coach does require pitcher, corners and SS wear the facemask. As a parent, I encourage it as well. I don't know about you, but one trip to the ER that could have been prevented with a $35 facemask, is enough incentive for me. That's even less than the $70 eligibility fee ;) LOL

[Ironman92]

Up to the kid.

I personally only think the pitcher and 3B (if 3B is comfortable) should wear one. I think many kids are wearing them from the get go at a young age and losing the critical use of the cover hand. To me there are angles that create some blind spots and cause some fielding issues due to vision.

[Ironman92]

Here's another thought. How about we knock down the explosiveness of the bats and quit using 12 inch Titleist as balls.....you'd have the same darn game but much safer.....but that's not the sexy answer.

[sox]

Ironman,

Outlawing bats has already begun (2013 ONEX). I am sure this is just a beginning. Baseball is realizing the change much quicker, but this is coming to softball as well.

On the issue of cover hand, that is a fundamental skill taught at a young age. I do not think it is a reliance on the mask. I do agree there are angle that create some blind spots and may cause some fielding issues.

[bcnu]

I wish they would do something with the ball. I am sure the bat companies would fight that .. LOL

[Gopher]

Sox,

My understanding on the OneX is it was pulled by manufacturer request because of defects not that they were too hot. Too many of them breaking, just like the Xeno by the same manufacturer. We had a girl in the fall break two Xenos in the same tournament. Broke the first, her Dad went out and got her another and she broke it on Sunday. Wasn't weather related either. Now she uses a CF5. Kind of cute though how the manufacturer just turned the spelling around for a new model.

[Ironman92]

Ironman,

Outlawing bats has already begun (2013 ONEX). I am sure this is just a beginning. Baseball is realizing the change much quicker, but this is coming to softball as well.

On the issue of cover hand, that is a fundamental skill taught at a young age. I do not think it is a reliance on the mask. I do agree there are angle that create some blind spots and may cause some fielding issues.

I just think the mask eliminates the player's need to make sure they are properly using their cover hand.

[sox]

My understanding on the OneX is it was pulled by manufacturer request because of defects not that they were too hot. Too many of them breaking, just like the Xeno by the same manufacturer. We had a girl in the fall break two Xenos in the same tournament. Broke the first, her Dad went out and got her another and she broke it on Sunday. Wasn't weather related either. Now she uses a CF5. Kind of cute though how the manufacturer just turned the spelling around for a new model.

If that is the case, why was it a outlaw declaration from OHSAA? Wouldn't that be a manufacturer's recall. Yes, the bats are breaking. Had a girl this winter break a 2012 model 2 weeks after Christmas. Hmmmm