Whether composed of plastic or polymer compounds, softball helmets are integral pieces of equipment that serve multiple purposes during both games and practice. While baseball catchers wore masks as early as 1890, batting helmets were not heard of until 1941 when General Manager Larry MacPhail of the Dodgers required his team to protect their heads. In 1956, Major League Baseball made batting helmets mandatory. Since then, similar rules have been adopted in softball, and even more safety precautions have been designed and implemented for various positions and situations.
Types
Numerous types of helmets are used throughout the sport of softball. Catchers wear masks to protect their faces, but that mask is attached to a helmet that offers protection for the rest of the head. Batting helmets are required at all levels of play, whether hitting live in a game or receiving pitches from a machine in practice. Finally, defensive helmets are also growing in popularity. These helmets protect the players on the field, especially infielders, and while they do not contain flaps for ear protection, they can be combined with facial masks or cages.
Rules
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, or NOCSAE, approves softball helmets at all levels of competition. In fact, without a NOCSAE seal, a batting helmet or catcher's mask is not legal for use in any high school, college or other organized game, and will be removed by the umpires before the start of competition. According to the NOCSAE website, all softball helmets undergo a standardized testing process that ensures that each piece of equipment can withstand the impact of a softball, bat or other hard object. Furthermore, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, enforces additional rules regarding helmets. As stated in the 2008-2009 Sports Medicine Handbook, these regulations include the use of helmets by all batters, base runners and players on-deck or warming up. Some individual NCAA conferences have also requested that base coaches wear helmets as well. At this time, defensive helmets remain optional, although some youth organizations are pushing for pitchers and corner infielders to wear facial masks at a minimum.
Considerations
Softball helmets must be sized correctly to offer protection. While catcher's masks are not designed to fit snugly, batting helmets are. Softball helmets are available in a variety of sizes regardless of the type, and they are all equipped with interior foam padding for comfort and fit. Many softball-specific batting helmets also come standard with a hole in the back for ponytails. While this inclusion appears superficial at first, this innovation actually allows the helmet to sit closer to the skull, and avoids a pressure point at the back of the head that could increase the risk of injury if a girl is to keep her hair inside.
Features
While catcher's masks are rarely accessorized, defensive and batting helmets can be altered for additional protection. While a facial mask separate from the helmet is usually used by infielders, batting helmets can be equipped with a plastic or metal cage that protects the face from pitches, bunts and other impacts. Many players also use chin straps to ensure that the helmet does not shift during play. Softball batting helmets also boast two ear flaps, while most baseball batting helmets only cover the ear closest to the pitcher. Finally, cheek protectors can be attached to batting helmets, although this is seen more often in baseball than softball.
Fun Fact
Helmets may be necessary during the game of softball, but they do not need to be boring. Many teams choose to use their helmets for decorative as well as safety purposes. Like hockey goalies, catchers can have their masks painted with team colors or mascots. Similarly, batting helmets can be purchased in a variety of colors and designs to accent uniforms. If a player desires a temporary design, decals can be attached to helmets without any risk of damage. And for a more permanent alteration, airbrushing remains a popular method of helmet decoration.
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