Mandatory Masks Ohio High School Softball

Looks like high school softball players in Ohio are being required to wear batting helmets with face masks. (Hawaii already requires this for high school and ASA). There is a bit of debate over the issue there which you can read about in the Dayton Daily News.

Here in Hawaii, we knew ahead of time that we'd be making the switch. The season before, we had the girls try it out and they didn't like the masks at all. Of course, once this past season got started (the first making the masks mandatory), they all adjusted just fine.

I never did bat with a face mask, so I don't know what it's like. Being a player that was always allowed to go without it, I'd probably resist too if I were told I had to wear it. After all, I never needed it in the years I played, however I am glad the younger girls here have to wear it. As a mother, I don't have to worry about my daughters getting hit in the face with the ball. As a coach I don't have to worry when teaching inexperienced 10-yr-olds how to bunt. Their faces areprotected.