The Ohio High School Athletic Association

Batting Helmets and Face Protectors

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All batting helmets are to be NOCSAE approved, the face protector requirement is new for 2006.  It has been made known to the OHSAA that several schools do not have the immediate resources to purchase all new helmets with NOCSAE approved face protectors. 

Therefore, for the 2006 softball season all offensive players will be required to wear a NOCSAE approved helmet with a properly attached face protector.  The OHSAA requests that schools and officials cooperate so that games can be played as scheduled.  No player may bat, be on deck, run the bases or coach first or third base without a helmet and face protector.  Officials are asked to inform the OHSAA office if helmets and face protectors are not NOCSAE approved.  Schools can borrow the helmets of the opposing teams.  If there are no helmets with face protectors, the game shall not be played.

For 30 years, interscholastic softball has been played in Ohio without a face protector with few serious facial injuries.  Hopefully, the new rule requiring face protectors will provide additional protection for the participants and not result in games not being played.

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