If parents are worried they should put their kid in a mask. Don't wait for a rule to mandate it or make your child safer. You already have the ability to make it happen.
Show bunt then swing
- Thread starter KCPhoto
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
- Feb 3, 2011
- 1,880
- 48
All the rules in the world will not make this an injury-proof game. Facial/head injuries are always given more scrutiny, but the risk is very small.
Ok, I would not actually ban slappers from the game, but I would charge a 3rd strike on a slap attempt that went foul on a 2-strike count.
Yes.
Ok, I would not actually ban slappers from the game, but I would charge a 3rd strike on a slap attempt that went foul on a 2-strike count.
- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,973
- 83
This a a girl who played for me as a 1st year 14U player. She always wore her mask when pitching and playing 1st base when she was on my team.
Baranek: Accident gives Andrew pitcher Josie Magnabosco clear view on mask - Daily Southtown
She went to play for another organization that frowns upon players wearing masks. The mindset is it makes the players look weak to the college coaches.
Until it becomes more commonplace for the pitchers and corners in college wearing masks the old "toughness" mindset will not go away. I always told my players masks are optional with the decision being made by the families. Mouth guards were mandatory.
When a testing lab steps up and certifies a set of standards similar to those in place for batting helmets and masks like NOCASE, no sanctioning body is going to mandate the mandatory use of masks. It's a byproduct of our overly-litigious society. Everyone is afraid of the possible legal costs that can be incurred.
- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,973
- 83
That's fine and dandy. But how are you going to balance out the fairness of the rule? Will it only take 3 balls for a slapper to get a BB?
1B, 3B and P all wear masks on my modified team. I even gave one to my newbie RF because she was afraid of the ball for fly balls. worked like a charm. 
Yes, the risk is small. This was an isolated incident. I know that I will get blasted by 99% of everyone here, but this was one incident in how many games played this year??? And how many people were injured in car accidents driving to and from games this year? I don't have official numbers but am confident that more people were taken to the hospital in a stretcher driving to/from softball than playing softball this year. I know of two people that were in a bad accident driving home from practice not too long ago. And I know of another who was killed driving home from a high school practice, all within my 30 mile radius.
I've seen the FB post, and the comments calling for mandatory mask. Where's the call for mandatory roll cages in cars, and helmets for passengers?
Let me have it....
- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
If most people believe the masks should be mandatory, why aren't most of the players wearing them?
This has nothing to do with the rule sets, but the parents and coaches. If it is that important, why do the parents and coaches allow the players on the field without the masks.
Demand for a mandatory rule concerning important equipment is about as ridiculous as those who aren't smart enough to vote out a bad rep demanding term limits
- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,973
- 83
Let me continue the analogy.
Seat belt use Mandatory and effective.
Air bags Mandatory and effective.
Crash avoidance systems Optional and effective
Anti-lock brakes Optional and effective.
Crash rating standards by the gov't Mandatory and effective.
Even with all of the millions spent on safety each year there are still fatalities and serious injuries every day. The above items help lessen the numbers per number of miles driven.
There is risk when we ride in a vehicle. There is risk when players step on to the field. Reducing the risk with the use of a mask should be a no-brainer.
Someone had posted a video of a younger pitcher getting hit in the mask. She was shaken up but not seriously hurt. I couldn't find it.
- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
Of course, it is a no brainer, especially when those whining about the lack of a rule are the same people who should be demanding them be worn without a mandate.
Do any players go on the field without a glove or mitt? If not, ask yourself "why not". Because it would be ridiculous for a player to play defense without a glove, right? ASA has no rule requiring it, yet no defender goes on the field without one, do they?
- Sep 29, 2014
- 2,421
- 113
If most people believe the masks should be mandatory, why aren't most of the players wearing them?
This has nothing to do with the rule sets, but the parents and coaches. If it is that important, why do the parents and coaches allow the players on the field without the masks.
Demand for a mandatory rule concerning important equipment is about as ridiculous as those who aren't smart enough to vote out a bad rep demanding term limits
depends what most means HS and 16U in the area around here I would guess pitcher use is probably well over 90%+; 1B and 3B is probably well over 75% and even SS and 2B is probably over 50%.
Last edited:
