When Roger Bresnahan, catcher for the New York Giants, took the field in 1907 wearing a pair of shin guards, the crowd erupted in laughter and insults. Until that game, catchers had remained relatively unprotected, a decision that could be seen as part bravery, part stupidity. But since 1907, catcher's equipment has evolved in style and function, and softball especially has placed a catcher's safety above all else.
Types
Softball catchers are required to wear a helmet with a mask, a chest protector and shin guards when they take the field. Additionally, most college and high school teams also require catchers to wear a mask whenever they warm up a pitcher in the crouch position, whether in the bullpen in-between innings or during practice. While some baseball players still choose a helmet with a separate mask, most softball catchers wear a one-piece, hockey style mask, and certain organizations such as the Amateur Softball Association no longer permit two-piece helmet-mask combinations to be used during games. Protective cups, while seen as essential for baseball players, are not as common for softball catchers; however, some tournaments do prefer that female catchers wear them due to the risk of foul balls, thrown bats and collisions at the plate. Finally, most catchers select a specialized glove for safety and utility. Catcher's mitts offer extra padding to counteract the impact of pitches, but they also allow catchers to better frame the ball in order to earn more strike calls.
Rules
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment closely monitors the manufacturing of all softball catcher's masks and helmets. Without an NOCSAE seal, a catcher's mask is not legal for use in college, high school or other organized games, leagues or tournaments. According to the NOCSAE website, catcher's helmets and masks, like other protective head gear, undergo a specific testing process to ensure that they can withstand bats, balls or other dangerous impacts. The NCAA also enforces additional rules and recommendations concerning softball catcher's equipment. As mentioned in the 2009-2010 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, an NOCSAE approved helmet and face mask must be used at all times, and it must include an attachable or built-in throat guard. Chest protectors are required as well, and shin guards must offer foot-to-knee protection.
Features
While the NOCSAE and NCAA mandate certain requirements for softball catcher's equipment, some players opt for additional protection and comfort. First, while hockey-style helmets offer built-in throat protection, some catchers wear a separate throat guard that hangs even lower. Second, like baseball catchers, softball catchers can also select chest protectors that offer shoulder protection as well. Whether built-in or removable, this extra pad is usually positioned on the glove arm; the throwing arm is left unprotected to not interfere with range of motion. In addition, softball catchers especially may also prefer removable interior padding designed to protect the breasts. Finally, many softball catchers use knee savers, special pads that attach to the backs of the shin guards and help relieve some of the stress involved with crouching.
Considerations
In order to afford optimal protection, softball catcher's equipment must be sized correctly. Helmets and masks cannot shift around or else the catcher will not be able to see. However, the hockey-style masks especially must be loose enough in order for the catcher to remove the helmet quickly during plays at the plate or in the event of a pop fly, bunt or foul ball. The chest protector should cover the entire front of the catcher when she is crouching, and the straps should be adjusted so the pad fits snugly. If the chest protector is too loose, it may slouch, exposing the catcher to injury. Shin guards should also be secured tightly, otherwise they may shift sideways and decrease both protection and movement.
Potential
Like hockey players, many softball catchers use their masks to express team spirit. The style of the new helmets is perfect for painting. Similarly, the rest of the equipment can also be purchased in specific shades to match the team or school colors. Some players attach decals to their helmets when a more temporary design is warranted; on the other hand, many catchers airbrush their masks when permanence is desired.
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