Softball Helmets - The Rules Have Changed

Injuries are a part of any sport and softball is no exception. When you have softballs being tossed at a strike zone that is literally inches in diameter at speeds above the speed limit for cars, accidents will happen. Softball helmets were designed to help protect the batter’s head in the event of a wild pitch but they offered little protection for the eyes or even nose. For this very reason, the ASA mandated that beginning in January of 2005, all softball players must now have a face mask and helmet when batting. While this rule does not necessarily affect all leagues across the nation, the fact is that the face mask is here to stay in the sport of softball so you may as well know what to expect.

Batting Faceguard - Must Bear NOCSAE Seal Of Approval

Full protection head gear may not sound like a lot of fun, but the times they are a changing. Fastpitch batting helmets, and any softball helmet covered by the new rule, must provide protection for the batter’s face. The helmet can either already come with a faceguard attached, or it must be able to have a faceguard attach to it. In either case, the helmet and the faceguard must both bear the NOCSAE seal of approval.

The NOCSAE, or National Operating Committee on Standards in Athletic Equipment, determines whether or not the batting helmet and faceguard provide adequate protection against wild softball pitches. Those that do will bear the NOCSAE seal and those that do not - well, they are dinosaurs. Do not be tempted by cheap helmets or faceguards without this seal because they are a waste of money. To find the best deals on NOCSAE approved helmets and face masks, hop online because Internet retailers tend to have bigger selection and lower prices than traditional sporting goods outlets due to their low overhead - but be sure that you only buy helmets with the seal!

Also see; Softball Equipment

Softball Equipment