Huntington Beach Girls Softball

Although HBGS does not require facemasks it is highly suggested that they be worn by all players.  As a rule of thumb they should be worn based on the following:

• ALL 6U players should wear face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• ALL 8U players should wear face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• ALL 10U players should wear face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• 12U infield players (1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, shortstop, and pitcher) should wear face masks during practice and games.
• 14U pitchers and infield positions are highly recommended to wear face masks.

This is based on evolving safety concerns within the softball community. Face mask policies are already implemented or slowly being enacted at other local leagues and leagues throughout the country. These policies are being enacted both by coaches on their own and by leagues as a general requirement. We expect that face mask requirements for all ages of players will become more prevalent in the coming years.

In an study published by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, it was concluded that "being hit by a ball was the most common mechanism of injury (52.4%) and accounted for most of face (89.6%) and head (75.7%) injuries". Pitchers and third base are especially vulnerable to fast moving balls. Additional articles can be found in the Rip-It Blog inlcuding their Facemask Awareness Month posts. Here is a scary/good article to read if you're not convinced!