Say yes or no to the face mask?

[BuckeyeGuy]

There are many questions to be answered in a situation such as whether or not to mandate safety equipment. Flip it around: are we more or less likely to get sued (regardless of case law) if we know there are safety devices available and do not require them? That seems like a much higher level or negligence to me.

In Ohio, the likelihood of a possible lawsuit appears to be slim, regardless of who it might be aimed at. "Whether the activity is organized, unorganized, supervised or unsupervised is immaterial to the standard of liability." (Marchetti v. Kalish (1990) 53 Ohio St. 3d 95.) In other words, there is no claim for negligent supervision.

I'm sure other states have their own laws that apply, and might change the equation.

My opinion: Using the potential cost of a possible lawsuit to avoid keeping the girls safer is cowardice, plain and simple.

 

[ArkFastpitch]

I don't believe there are any liability issues if you mandate safety equipment. No more than there would be if a batter were hit in the head with a pitch and was some how injured. There are certain risks assumed when you step onto the field. All safety gear comes with a disclaimer stating that although the gear is designed to protect, accidents do happen and you assume the risk. I believe the only way you could be held liable for an accident is if you mandated a certain style or brand and it was somehow deemed inferior or you made some kind of guarantee against injury.

 

[Momo'sDad]

My opinion: Using the potential cost of a possible lawsuit to avoid keeping the girls safer is cowardice, plain and simple.

Why do you believe that players and parents lack the ability to make a decision about mask usage for themselves?

 

[riseball]

There are many questions to be answered in a situation such as whether or not to mandate safety equipment. Flip it around: are we more or less likely to get sued (regardless of case law) if we know there are safety devices available and do not require them? That seems like a much higher level or negligence to me.

In Ohio, the likelihood of a possible lawsuit appears to be slim, regardless of who it might be aimed at. "Whether the activity is organized, unorganized, supervised or unsupervised is immaterial to the standard of liability." (Marchetti v. Kalish (1990) 53 Ohio St. 3d 95.) In other words, there is no claim for negligent supervision.

I'm sure other states have their own laws that apply, and might change the equation.

My opinion: Using the potential cost of a possible lawsuit to avoid keeping the girls safer is cowardice, plain and simple.

As always it is easy to talk the talk, but is something else to walk the walk when you actually have skin in the game.

 

[BuckeyeGuy]

Why do you believe that players and parents lack the ability to make a decision about mask usage for themselves?

What makes you think I believe any such thing? Have I stated anywhere that parents and/or players are incapable of making a decision? Pull the quote, because I'm fairly certain I haven't said anything of the sort.

 

[BuckeyeGuy]

[/B]

As always it is easy to talk the talk, but is something else to walk the walk when you actually have skin in the game.

Not gonna get into a public pissing contest. PM sent.

 

[sbmom19]

Wow - can't believe that this is such a hot button topic. My opinion is - have your DD wear one or not. But if not, be prepared for the consequences should she take a ball to the face. Possibly doctor's bills, reconstructive surgery, dental bills, permanent disfigurement, etc., etc., etc. I personally couldn't take the guilt if something did happen-we are talking about the face of a young woman. But that is just me.

 

[riseball]

Not gonna get into a public pissing contest. PM sent.

Nothing of the sort. My point was simply that it is easy to say that someone should assume a risk when you are immune to said risk. Something different to assume the risk, and ask others to follow your lead. I for one would not assume a risk for a mandate that by all appearances is not needed. Nobody is saying anyone can't wear a mask. People are free to make their own choices. I will gladly defer to someone else take on the mantle of champion of kids with parents I do not agree with.

 

[knightsb]

Nobody is saying anyone can't wear a mask. People are free to make their own choices.

I agree players/parents can wear a mask if they want, they have that choice. My concern, is there a bias against those that wear masks at higher levels of play.

I have known of girls that could not play in college because they were afraid to wear a mask due to ridicule from others cause nobody on the team wore them and the staff makes fun of them and that player becomes a shell of her self with out the mask.

Are players who don't wear masks better than those that do? Is that what college coaches think?

 

[riseball]

I agree players/parents can wear a mask if they want, they have that choice. My concern, is there a bias against those that wear masks at higher levels of play.

The only bias I see is against players who do not have skills, specifically hitting. If you can hit and have the grades you will get recruited. I think in most instances the mask a convenient excuse for those without skills. There are so many opportunities out there that the idea that you cannot get a ride despite having the requisite skills simply because you wear a mask is pretty far fetched. I said it before, I challenge someone to present evidence of a coach of a reputable program going on record that they will not recruit a player regardless of all other factors simply because she wears a mask.