FIELDING FACE MASK POLICY

We prioritize the safety of our players above all else. In order to ensure a safe environment for all participants, it is the policy of Redondo Sunset Softball that all players shall wear a defensive face guard when playing infield positions during both practices and games. This policy is based on the growing safety concerns within the softball community and is not unique to Redondo Sunset. The most common cause of injuries in softball is being hit by the ball, with pitchers and third basemen particularly at risk. All infielders are susceptible to various collisions, making this policy essential for protecting our players.

Softball is a sport that inherently involves risk, but we are committed to doing everything in our power to minimize that risk and ensure the safety of your children. Safety will always be our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us create a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our players.”

Resources

Potential Risks Involved Videos (Parental Discretion is Advised)

Studies & Reports

- 2019 NIH Retrospective Study on Softball Injuries

Social Media Testimonial

I know a lot of you have already heard about it, but we had an extremely scary experience last night. L**** was pitching for *** and took a shot back at her off the forehead. Thank God she was wearing a mask, and if there was ever a testimony for wearing one, this is it. If she hadn’t been wearing it, this morning would be a completely different setting.

Keep in mind, the ball never touched her face. The damage was done by the force of the ball pushing the mask into her forehead. I don’t even like to think about how bad it could have been without the mask.

Went to the ER last night and doctors said she was extremely lucky, but no concussion or brain injuries.

She’s doing very well this morning. Had a huge knot last night, but doctors said it was actually in a good spot cause it’s the hardest part of the head. They aren’t concerned about fractures or any brain affects. She wants to play today, but she’s gonna take a day off for precaution. All in all so far, it was just an extremely crazy scare & she will be fine.

I’m going to share the video with y’all, but be warned, it’s intense!!

FAQs

What is a defensive face guard?

A defensive face guard serves the same purpose as the face guards that attach to a batting helmet or to a catcher’s helmet. It is a metal or plastic mask which a player wears while playing on the infield or in the outfield to protect their face and head from injury during practices and games. The face guards are easily found online or at local sports stores. They typically cost between $30 to $75 dollars and come in youth and adult sizes. The adult sizes are often advertised as being designed for players aged 12 and up.

Why have a defensive face guard policy?

Our top priority is your player’s safety, and we have several rules and policies in place that are designed to protect your player. This policy is one of them – the purpose is to protect our kids while they are playing softball at Redondo Sunset. Younger players are protected by masks, and they can develop their softball skills with more confidence by wearing the mask. The risk of injury increases in some ways as players get older as the strength and size of the opposing hitters increase, which is why even elite travel and college players choose to wear the mask while playing on the infield.

Are we the only league doing this?

No, far from it – many local leagues and travel organizations have similar policies in place to protect their players. As our understanding of head injuries increases as a society, rules such as this are likely to become more prevalent. We believe that there’s just no need to take unnecessary risks with our kids’ heads and faces while playing in a recreational softball league.

Is there a gender issue here?

No, baseball and softball are different sports, and in some ways, softball is more dangerous. It’s the sport that’s the difference. Softball involves shorter distances (the bases max out at 60 feet), a larger and harder ball, and tighter gameplay more focused on bunt and slap prevention that causes corner infielders to crash way in. These differences have nothing to do with gender or skill level. Girls play PONY Baseball at Redondo Sunset, and when they do, they are not required to wear a defensive face guard. At the same time, some men’s fastpitch softball players wear defensive face guards.

The videos are scary, but they involved older players – does my young player really need this face guard?

Younger players are still at risk of being struck by batted ball while playing on the infield, and if that happens it can indeed injury and/or traumatize the player. Also, while younger players are learning to catch and field, the face guard really allows them to learn the mechanics of the game with confidence that they won’t be struck in the face, so the rule also is designed to aid in a younger player’s development. As players age into older and more inherently dangerous divisions, they are often reluctant to wear a face guard unless they are already accustomed to wearing one, which is another
reason why it is important to have younger players wearing the face guards from the beginning.

I still have questions. Who can I talk with?

Members of the Redondo Sunset Board are happy to discuss this important safety issue with you. Please email us and we’ll get you in touch with a Board Member. Unfortunately, there are many people involved with our league that we can get you in touch with who have either suffered personally or seen a player suffer the consequences of being struck in the face.