Q:  Last year I contacted WIAA regarding C-Flaps added to helmets and this rule has not changed.  I am looking to purchase helmets that the manufacturer states  meet the NOCSAE standards since the manufacturer drilled the holes and installed the separate jaw guards.  The manufacturers I could find include Easton, Boombah, and Rawlings.  Each as their models that allow the jaw guard to be installed with their pre-drilled holes.  

I am assuming these helmets will be allowed since the National Federation of HS Sports states the manufacturer must met the standard but before I spend money on two of these I wanted to make sure.  Also during the season will the umps know the difference?  My son was told to removed his helmet last year with a C-flap but will they know the difference this year now that companies are installing these and meeting the standards?

A:   If you drill your own holes, you will probably void the warranty on the helmet and it will no longer be NOCSAE approved.  Hence the position of the NFHS and WIAA.

You will need to check with the manufacturer to determine if they will maintain NOCSAE approval with holes drilled by someone other than the manufacturer.  Most of the major batting helmet manufacturers are now manufacturing their own cheek and jaw protector. We will allow it all, just need our umpires to have the coach verify that his team is properly and legally equipped.

From the NFHS:

Per NFHS Rule 1-5-1, it states that it is mandatory for on-deck batters, batters and base runners among other individuals to wear a batting helmet that is non-mirror like and meets the NOCSAE performance standard. Our rules allow for a face mask/guard to be attached to the batting helmet in NFHS Rule 1-5-2. However, a cheek and jaw protector is not considered a face mask/guard and currently does not meet any performance standard. Parents and guardians are concerned with the safety of their children and we are experiencing that cheek and jaw protectors are being attached to the batting helmets around the country.

There is no NOCSAE performance standard for cheek and jaw protectors. We have confirmed that current manufactured batting helmets meet the NOCSAE performance standard with pre-drilled holes and without pre-drilled holes. Many of the larger helmet manufacturers have developed their own brand specific cheek and jaw protector and also accommodate third party cheek and jaw protectors to be attached to their helmets as well.  Please note: It is the NFHS’ position once the head baseball coach verifies that his team is legally and properly equipped, and all other criteria to start a game have been met, then we will begin play. It is not our role to determine the legitimacy of a cheek and jaw protector that has been attached to a batting helmet.

Obviously, if the umpire notices that the cheek and jaw protector is hanging off the batting helmet and swinging loosely, he should enforce the rule regarding defective equipment. (NFHS Rule 1-5-6)