2007: “The rules allow all batting helmets to have facemasks at any division of play including Tee Ball… Many people who grew up not using safety equipment feel the facemask isn’t necessary at all, while others — especially those who have seen injuries caused by ball contact — feel it should be part of the required batting helmet through college. In general, the safety of any player would be enhanced by a facemask. The benefit of starting at a young age is: 1) The players are most vulnerable and least able to move out of the way of a thrown or batted ball at this age. They haven’t yet learned the reflexive skills of avoidance (they stand like deer in a car’s headlights as the ball comes at them) usually learned from being hit by or narrowly missed by a ball — painful but true. 2) Balls can rebound off the bat even from a tee and up into a player’s face. Maybe not often, but it does happen. 3) Some throwing plays happen on the base paths. Players’ faces/teeth are still vulnerable without a faceguard to a throw-out attempt at a base, similar to a pitched ball at home plate. 4) The guard becomes part of the standard equipment, so they don’t resist wearing it in later years. So when the speed of the pitched ball and the reaction time for getting out of it’s way is much less, the need is greater for the protection. 5) And they grow up adjusting for the guard. In wearing one then they do not have any playing issues of continually tracking the ball from the pitcher’s hand — the major reason some people feel the face guards or masks aren’t a good idea. So maybe in Tee Ball the face guard isn’t crucial in all cases, but it does set the stage for successful use of the guard in coming years, if that is your intention. Again, it’s not required, but is an option for all players to choose, or the local league to mandate.” - Little League Safety newsletter ASAP News February 2007 · Volume 14/Number 1 2008: “Optional equipment helps players protect themselves from a multitude of potential injuries Helmets are standard for batters and catchers in Little League, and have long been required equipment to protect players while they perform critical functions. The league provides this equipment without thinking: it’s just required. However, you can provide other optional safety equipment to make your players more safe when taking the field at any position. Or make the information known that the equipment is available if parents want to purchase it for their child’s safety. Extra protection while batting and fielding can help reduce or prevent severe facial injuries or even deadly chest injuries, while also making sure young ball players feel secure and have the confidence to do their best without worrying about getting hurt. Facemasks on batting helmets are increasing in popularity around the country and come in several different styles, from a clear polycarbonate or hardened wire cage, to the C-Flap® jaw protector. The proportion of injuries to batters’ faces (including teeth, nose, eyes, face) is 29% of all batters’ injuries, roughly equal to the proportion of batters’ finger, hand, wrist, arm and elbow injuries combined (34%):” “Many leagues are mandating facemasks for their younger batters, as they develop the proper training skills to protect themselves. Helmets with facemasks attached can be purchased in almost any sporting goods store and there are even facemasks available that can attach to previously purchased helmets as well. Facemasks protect against facial injuries that can occur when a child is hit in the face with a pitch or foul-tip and cost about $13.” -Little League Safety newsletter ASAP News July 2008 • Volume 15/Number 5 2009: “In 2007, ASAP put together the data from 2004 - 2006 on injuries just in Little League, which shows the injuries to base runners. In this chart it shows “Other” as 17% of base runners’ injuries, which would include facial/dental/eye injuries that would be prevented by facemasks. In the chart “Injuries Per Position,” the base runner and the batter are equally injured in Little League, at 19% of the total annual injuries. Of more importance, you’ll see the most common injuries to batters include eye, nose, teeth, face, and come to 29% of all batters’ injuries. So implementing facemasks for batters WILL reduce these injuries as well. Hopefully this helps sell the idea of facemasks on batting helmets to your board.” - Little League Safety newsletter ASAP April 2009 · Volume 16/Number 3 2010: “This year, the president of Redrock Little League got what she has been working toward for several years. Her league won the award for implementing the best safety plan in the nation”… The league requires mandatory face masks on batting helmets for the Little League and younger divisions, and provides face masks as an option for the older divisions.” - Little League Safety newsletter ASAP Sept./Oct. 2010 · Volume 17/Number 5 |
In LLs own words: Why your child needs a batting helmet faceguard
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