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Protective equipment change?

Discussion in 'Softball Forum' started by nccoach32, May 7, 2008.

  1. nccoach32

    nccoach32 Member

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    I have heard for the past 4 years that there has been discussion about 3rd base wearing the "gameface" and even the pitcher. Another thread talks about the mound being moved to 43' which I am a full supporter of.

    A lot of girls have a "comfort" issue but within 2 weeks become used to it like part of their uniform.

    Personally, I require my 5 to wear the "gameface" and optional for the pitcher. All of my girls wear mouthguards which to many may be overdoing it but instead of picking the girls that have braces, what position, etc, etc; We just make it "part of the TEAM concept" and all of my players are used to it now.

    I've been involved with fastpitch for almost 10 years and I can't count how many facial explosions there have been at the 5 spot and how many pitchers get ripped by line drives.

    My pitcher got torched against a team in conference but found the courage to keep going.

    I believe it's time for the NFHS to make some changes including the 43' distance.

    Anyone elses thoughts on equipment mandates and/or changes?
     
  2. scowall

    scowall Full Access Member

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    i require all my girls to have a mouth piece! my pitchers are also required to have a game face on, all of my infield players use the game face, mistakes are made and bad hops, i will not have it on my conscience for one of my girls to take a shot to the head or mouth, and not have that 1000.00 smile anymore. some things in life are more important than softball......scott
     
  3. My Kid

    My Kid Member

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    Protective Equipment

    I agree with the 43 ft.. Not sure about reqirements of gear to play. We live in a world already were choices are taken out of our hands daily. I think you need to leave safety up to the player and the parent. It is a risk when you chose to take the field, we all know that. Anytime I hear (required) in this day and age I cringe. What is next full body armor? Maybe stop buying all these hot bats and go back to the day where muscle and skill moved the ball. And let me say loud and clear my child wears protective equipment, but because we chose to and have enough sense too, not because it is required. Does anyone think for theirselves anymore or do you have to be told to do everything. I don't want anymore rules to compensate for people who don't have enough sense to take care of theirselves or their children, sometimes that is just life. Yes people should wear pro. equip. but because they chose to.:banghead:
     
  4. Abbey fan

    Abbey fan Full Access Member

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    Agree

    I am quite tired of rules and laws being made to dictate what I as an american should have the right to decide for my family, my self, and my teams! Freedom of choice is a right as long as I am not injuring someone else or taking their rights away.
    Anyone that knows me, know I put the girls safety first but I will not dictate to them what they should use as equipment.
     
  5. Softball Guru

    Softball Guru Banned From TBR

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    I'm Not An Advocate---BUT !!



    I'm not a promoter of body armor,but I met a man one time that lost his 12 year old son,because of a direct blow to the chest,and stopped his heart, and they couldn't revive him....freak accident ??? I don't know, but they buried him the next week !!!

    Guru
     
  6. JefferMC

    JefferMC Full Access Member

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    I still don't understand how anyone can, with a straight face, say that 43' will be a great "safety" improvement over 40'. I can grasp the "get 'em ready for college" argument, but we've been through the math here before. Any increase in reaction time for the pitcher would be easily wiped out by the larger increase in reaction time for the batter who would then hit more pitches to need to be dodged.

    Mouth guards are a good idea. I think F5's should probably wear gamefaces, but I don't know that it needs to be a rule at any higher level than coach or Dad. But once these composite bats go away, I'm not even sure it'll be all that necessary.
     
  7. Softball Guru

    Softball Guru Banned From TBR

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    It Will Never Happen !!



    :dead-horse-fast2: Composite Bats are here to stay...just like the oil industry...it's all about MONEY...and as long as MONEY is being made, it want change !!!!


    Guru
     
  8. JavelinCatcher

    JavelinCatcher Full Access Member

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    I wouldn't say that...

    Agree it is all about the money but I am sure some company already has a prototype of a new kind of bat that is better than composite. 'Space Age Technology' - lighter but with more pop, no breakin period, more durable, etc. that will be priced way above composite bats...
     
  9. CanAmMan

    CanAmMan Full Access Member

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    I think all players should be required to wear full catchers gear to play any position!!
     
  10. cheeze105

    cheeze105 Moderator Staff Member

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    composites are here to stay, but not like they are now, they will be toned down by about 20%-25% as far as pop is concerned to appease ASA and the safety of the players. coming soon to a ball field near you.......lol
     

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