two piece helmets

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

May 6, 2015
2,397
113
going to most likely be investing in new helmet for DD2 by next spring at the latest, moving up to 12u this year.

what is the consensus on two piece vs one piece? AC of her team thinks two piece is way to go, to be able to get rid of it quicker for pop ups.

is a two piece allowable under various rule sets (mostly USSSA tournaments, but they sometimes do others)?
 
Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
They are not allowed for any rule sets that I am aware of. Your coach should know that IMO.

Also, most are not a fan of removing the helmet. I can see it on a popup but most helmets have great window of vision. My DD has a large melon and has not had an issue seeing popups. She can remove it quickly if needed.


Good luck! Maybe some others will reply as well.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
As 4gd said, I don't believe that separate mask/helmet (baseball style) combinations are approved for softball. Only hockey-style.

If you're playing on a field with a large amount of foul territory - like a top level-college stadium - and it's a high pop-up, clearly in foul territory, that gives you plenty of time to remove the mask and toss it clear, then go for it. In EVERY other situation, I am a strong advocate for leaving the mask on your head when the ball is in play.

$20 says AC has a history with playing and/or coaching baseball.
 
Last edited:
May 6, 2015
2,397
113
Thanks or the feedback! good to know, and yes, HC has played and coached baseball.

I was very skeptical of two piece, now I know it is a non issue, if not allowed in rule sets.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Thanks or the feedback! good to know, and yes, HC has played and coached baseball.

I was very skeptical of two piece, now I know it is a non issue, if not allowed in rule sets.

Maybe it's time for him to get up to speed on the rules of softball...;)
 
Mar 1, 2016
195
18
ASA rule 3A, 3B, and 3C says the catchers mask must have a throat protector and an approved helmet with ear flaps. There is a note below that says a hockey style mask MAY be used, but nowhere does it say that it MUST be used. ASA rules do NOT forbid the use of a two-piece mask rig, but they do forbid just using a fielders mask.

USSSA rule 2.2 says the catcher shall wear a NOCSAE approved head
protector (with dual earflaps), an approved mask with throat protector, a body chest protector and shin guards. If a hockey style NOCSAE approved catchers helmet is used, a separate throat protector is not needed. Again, two-piece not prohibited as long as it meets standards.

That should clear up the rules argument, but I agree with everyone here that throwing the helmet off is unnecessary for pop ups. Hockey style masks have excellent field of vision.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
ASA rule 3A, 3B, and 3C says the catchers mask must have a throat protector and an approved helmet with ear flaps. There is a note below that says a hockey style mask MAY be used, but nowhere does it say that it MUST be used. ASA rules do NOT forbid the use of a two-piece mask rig, but they do forbid just using a fielders mask.

USSSA rule 2.2 says the catcher shall wear a NOCSAE approved head
protector (with dual earflaps), an approved mask with throat protector, a body chest protector and shin guards. If a hockey style NOCSAE approved catchers helmet is used, a separate throat protector is not needed. Again, two-piece not prohibited as long as it meets standards.

That should clear up the rules argument, but I agree with everyone here that throwing the helmet off is unnecessary for pop ups. Hockey style masks have excellent field of vision.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does ASA reference the NOCSAE standard anywhere?
 
Nov 18, 2015
1,585
113
Served as an evaluator for a 14U tryout last week. One of the girls was wearing a chest protector that was so loose, I wondered if it was actually her equipment. It hung down so low, a passed or tipped ball had a much greater chance of injuring her collar bone or throat area, regardless of the helmet style.

And do they even make catchers or coaches helmets with dual ear-flaps?
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Served as an evaluator for a 14U tryout last week. One of the girls was wearing a chest protector that was so loose, I wondered if it was actually her equipment. It hung down so low, a passed or tipped ball had a much greater chance of injuring her collar bone or throat area, regardless of the helmet style.

And do they even make catchers or coaches helmets with dual ear-flaps?

Proper equipment fit is critical not only for proper protection, but also efficiency of movement. Based on your description, I would pull the player aside and help her adjust her gear.

I have not seen catcher/coach helmets with dual ear flaps, but I haven't looked a whole lot, either.
 
Mar 1, 2016
195
18
Does ASA reference the NOCSAE standard anywhere?

ASA references the NOCSAE standard when talking about face masks and offensive batting helmets. Also when players are acting as base coaches they have to wear a helmet with double ear flaps and a mask that meet the NOCSAE standard. It is implied that catchers helmets have to meet the standard but not specifically stated. I’ve never seen a catchers helmet that wasn’t NOCSAE, and my DD has had 4 of them over a 10 year period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,475
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top