Sheaitaintso's Baseball Corner!

Umpire Safety Tips ~ Proper Use of Umpire Protective Equipment

When properly equipped and educated, a baseball or softball umpire should be able to adequately perform his or her duties while keeping injuries to a minimum. It’s not enough just to wear the required protective gear; each piece of apparatus must be worn correctly in order to be effective.

The umpire’s mask is one of the most important parts in this assembly of shields. The straps should be adjusted so they sit as high as possible around your head. This allows the mask to be removed quickly and easily. It also puts less pressure on one’s head, which can be distracting, if not painful, during extended periods behind the plate.

The mask should fit loosely on your face. The tighter it is, the more shock is going to be transferred to you rather than absorbed by the mask. If your mask is hit hard by a pitched ball, you can expect it to shift sideways across your face or even get knocked off entirely.

If this happens and you don’t feel the hit; you’ll know the mask was adjusted properly, (and a few gasping spectators will chalk one up for your bravery!)

[I do not have adequate experience wearing the full helmet/face mask for umpires which is also available, so I can not rightfully comment on them.]

There are numerous light weight alloy constructed umpire masks on the market today. Some start as low as $30.00. They are more comfortable than heavier ones, and as an umpire, I recommend them.

Also, for comfort, your cap should only be as tight as necessary to stay on your head when you remove your mask. Fitted caps are more comfortable than adjustable ones and look more professional.

“Dangling” type throat guards are not always required for umpires like they are for catchers. They come in 4″ and 6″ lengths. From my experience the 4″ length rarely gets caught up under the lip of my chest protector.

The chest protector should not be too tight across your chest and stomach, so as to reduce the intensity of a direct hit. It should be worn high enough in front to protect your collar bone.

Some chest protectors have extensions that cover parts of the upper arm. Also available are slip-on protective pads used to protect the arms and wrists.

Whether or not you invest in additional arm protection may depend on the level of games you’re working and the skill of the pitcher and/or catcher. As a rule, if the wrist and arm is relaxed, it will sustain a minimal amount of injury if hit.

Additional protection is a personal preference. I will add that it is generally recommended not placing one arm behind your back in your stance behind the plate. This can cause your balance to become unsteady and could contribute to your calls being inconsistent.

Leg guards come in different lengths. All offer protection to the top of the knee while some have one or more pads that extend well above the knee. Some offer protection that covers the top of your foot and sometimes this part is removable.

If you wear shoes designed specifically for plate work, this area of the foot is protected by a metal plate. With these shoes, the added foot protection on the leg guards is not necessary. “Plate” shoes are also equipped with steel toes.

Most leg guards are secured by metal clasps on elastic straps which hook onto a ring. They are also available with the locking snap type clasp. Honig’s is one distributor of umpire gear who carries this second type. Leg guards are designed to be worn with the hooks or locking clasps on the outside of the leg.

For male umpires, a hard cup should always be worn behind the plate. To assure comfort, choose a smooth contoured one with good ventilation. The cup must be held firmly in place either with an athletic supporter, or other type of shorts designed for this purpose. Some umpires also wear cups when they are working bases.

Baseball and softball umpires have an assortment of protective gear available to them. However, this specialized equipment must be worn properly in order to achieve the results for which it was designed. This is the best defense an umpire has to avoid injury while behind the plate.

Jared Parks

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The author has been an umpire since 2000 officiating in over 750 documented games. He continues to umpire Little League and High School baseball and softball games.

This article may be reproduced and distributed as long as it remains intact in its entirety. No changes may be made to the content in any manner and no links may be removed or other(s) added, without written consent from the author.

 

About the Author

The author has been an umpire since 2000 with over 750 documented games. He continues to umpire Little League and High School baseball and softball level games.

Top 5 Umpire Equipment

Umpire Chest Protector from Rawlings $83.64 Black foam/nylon twill ribbed front chest protector Attached plastic shoulder caps Separate arm pads included Pro leather Elastic harness

Umpire Inside Chest and Shoulder Protector from Markwort $52.73 Inside pads, satin finish front Double break design Includes one pair arm pads that slide up your arm and below the shoulder cap

All Star Custom Ultra Cool Catcher’s Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $184.99 CLICK. CREATE. SHARE. ORDER! Professional Performance Catchers Chest Protector Ultra Cool moisture management and air flow allows heat to escape from your body while fresh air returns. lightweight and features an exclusive collarbone protection with curved shoulder stabilizers and a low rebound multi-layered foam front for minimal ball rebound. Patented Delta Flex harness for comfort and mobility. Aegis Microbe Shield anti-microbial treatment to prevent odors and bacterial growth. Completely customized color options. Click Here to build your own custom catchers equipment. Custom Catchers Equipment Please allow – weeks for delivery. day guarantee does not apply. Custom equipment is not eligible for return. Cancellations or changes by phone must be made the same day as order. Changes to any custom equipment online must be made before submitting an order by removing from cart and adding a new model with new custom changes. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

All Star Custom Chest Protector w/ Throat Embroidery – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $184.99 CLICK. CREATE. SHARE. ORDER! Professional Performance Catchers Chest Protector Customized embroidery on the throat, up to characters. Ultra Cool moisture management and air flow allows heat to escape from your body while fresh air returns. lightweight and features an exclusive collarbone protection with curved shoulder stabilizers and a low rebound multi-layered foam front for minimal ball rebound. Patented Delta Flex harness for comfort and mobility. Aegis Microbe Shield anti-microbial treatment to prevent odors and bacterial growth. Completely customized color options. Click Here to build your own custom catchers equipment. Custom Catchers Equipment Please allow – weeks for delivery. day guarantee does not apply. Custom equipment is not eligible for return. Cancellations or changes by phone must be made the same day as order. Changes to any custom equipment online must be made before submitting an order by removing from cart and adding a new model with new custom changes. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

All Star Adult Pro Catcher’s Bundle – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $329.99 Designed for adult baseball players, this All Star Players Series catchers kit contains several essential pieces of baseball equipment. They are Catchers helmet – MVPTT Chest protector – CPPRO Leg guard – LGWPRO Buy individually at .. Buy the Set Save .! Available in these colors Black, Dark Green, Maroon, Navy, Royal, Scarlet, Silver, Purple. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Easton Natural Series Adult Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $54.99 Hockey inspired chest protector has a form fitting design and uses lightweight tech foam to absorb and deaden the impact of a ball thus reducing the rebound. Removable groin protector. Adult Size (ages ). Colors Black, Dark Green, Navy, Royal, Scarlet, Silver.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Easton Natural Series Youth Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $34.99 Hockey inspired chest protector has a form fitting design and uses lightweight tech foam to absorb and deaden the impact of a ball thus reducing the rebound. Removable groin protector. Youth Size (ages – ). Colors Black, Dark Green, Navy, Royal, Scarlet, Silver.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Easton Natural Series Intermediate Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $44.99 Hockey inspired chest protector has a form fitting design and uses lightweight tech foam to absorb and deaden the impact of a ball thus reducing the rebound. Removable groin protector. Intermediate Size (ages – ). Colors Black, Dark Green, Navy, Royal, Scarlet, Silver.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Rawlings Baseball/Softball Umpire Set $12.95 Be prepared for the game with the Rawlings Deluxe umpire kit. Complete with a hanging nylon bag, brush, Rawlings high quality ink pen and 4-dial umpire indicator.

Rawlings Deluxe Umpire Kit – Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper $14.99 Rawlings Deluxe kit includes black umpire bag, umpire brush, a Rawlings pen and -dial umpire indicator. This is a great kit for umpires looking for the best value on a complete set of accessories.Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper – Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper

Rawlings Deluxe Umpire Kit – Baseball On Field Accessory $14.99 Rawlings Deluxe kit includes black umpire bag, umpire brush, a Rawlings pen and -dial umpire indicator. This is a great kit for umpires looking for the best value on a complete set of accessories.Baseball On Field Accessory – Baseball On Field Accessory

Easton Stealth II Catchers Bag – Equipment Baseball Bags $69.99 Large open body gear bag ideal for catchers equipment. Large main compartment with U-zip access for leg guards. End pockets for helmet and mitt and side pocket fits a chest protector. Separate sleeve holds two bats. Inline skate wheels. T polyester jacquard ripstop and D polyester. Dimensions x x . Colors Red, Black, Navy, Royal. Equipment Baseball Bags – Equipment Baseball Bags

All Star Pro Intermediate Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $54.99 Ultra Cool! Stay cool with All-Stars new chest protector that allows heat to escape away from your body while fresh air returns. Its lightweight, and features an exclusive collarbone protection with curved shoulder stabilizers and a low rebound multi-layer foam front. Ages – Solid Colors with Silver Accents Black, Silver, Navy, Purple, Royal, Scarlet. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Easton Intermediate Surge Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $99.99 Ultra form-fitting design gives maximum protection and comfort. Lightweight comfort form foam outer and inner layers deaden ball on impact. Airflow Release Channel technology provides excellent cooling. Triple back strap adjustment system. Dual removable/adjustable shoulder caps. Removable/adjustable throat protector. Intermediate Size (Ages – ). Colors Royal, Black, Green, Navy, Red. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Easton Adult Surge Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $109.99 Ultra form-fitting design gives maximum protection and comfort. Lightweight comfort form foam outer and inner layers deaden ball on impact. Airflow Release Channel technology provides excellent cooling. Triple back strap adjustment system. Dual removable/adjustable shoulder caps. Removable/adjustable throat protector. Adult Size (Ages and over). Colors Royal, Black, Maroon, Purple, Green, Navy, Red. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Under Armour Senior Pro Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $94.99 Pro level chest protector features memory foam designed to reduce rebound of blocked balls. New UltraCool construction has larger ventilation ports and slimmed side panels for lighter weight. Patented design presents flat surface to block balls. DeltaFlex harness for an exceptional fit. Senior Size Ages – . Color Black, Navy, Royal, Scarlet.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Under Armour Junior Pro Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $79.99 Pro level chest protector features memory foam designed to reduce rebound of blocked balls. New UltraCool construction has larger ventilation ports and slimmed side panels for lighter weight. Patented design presents flat surace to block balls. DeltaFlex harness for an exceptional fit. Junior Size Ages – . Colors Black, Navy, Royal, Scarlet.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Black Pro Style Cool Baseâ„¢ Umpire Polo $49.99 Just like the those seen on MLB umpires- you too can have the look of the pros when calling your next game. Made by Majestic- the official on-field outfitter of Major League Baseball- this Cool Base umpire’s polo is sure to compliment the most avid balls and strikes caller’s head to toe look. 3 Button placket Front left chest pocket Cool Base technology provides moisture management and temperature control- keeping you; cool- dry- and comfortable all day long 100% Polyester Pebble Knit

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Easton Adult Custom Surge Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $119.99 Ultra form-fitting design gives maximum protection and comfort. Lightweight comfort form foam outer and inner layers deaden ball on impact. Airflow Release Channel technology provides excellent cooling. Triple back strap adjustment system. Dual removable/adjustable shoulder caps. Removable/adjustable throat protector. Adult Size (Ages ). Colors Black/Gold, Black/Green, Black/Orange, Black/Purple, Black/Red, Black/Royal,Navy/Gold, Navy/ed, Royal/Red.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Louisville TPX Pulse Static Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $99.99 Uses the popular Pulse form-fit design which is comprised of revolutionary SPINLOCK particles that help to reduce ball spin for better blocking control. Made of dense memory foam padding that absorbs ball impact and utilizes an over-the-shoulder harness and additional pad breaks that allow the pads to form to the body. Colors Black, Grey, Navy, Royal, Scarlet Size Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Diamond iX3 16 Fastpitch Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $64.99 - Vented iX triple layer low-rebound padding – Removable molded pro shoulder caps – Fully adjustable harness – Greater protection with contoured fit – Colors Black, Royal, Scarlet, Navy, Dk. Green, Maroon This item drop ships from the manufacturer, please allow – business days for delivery. Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Rawlings 4-in-1 Umpire Indicator – Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper $2.99 This is the classic -dial umpire indicator with black plastic case. This model is a good rugged design with easy-to-read dials that turn and stop properly.Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper – Baseball Coach/ScoreKeeper

Rawlings 4-in-1 Umpire Indicator – Baseball On Field Accessory $2.99 This is the classic -dial umpire indicator with black plastic case. This model is a good rugged design with easy-to-read dials that turn and stop properly.Baseball On Field Accessory – Baseball On Field Accessory

Mizuno Intermediate Samurai G3 Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $79.99 DryLite inner liner and three layer padding for protection and comfort. Innovative construction for durability, comfort, and very lightweight performance Patented detachable wings for customized protection and fit. Personalized name plate and removable neck pad for personalization. Low Rebound Technology. Size Intermediate () Colors Red/Grey, Navy/Grey, Black/Grey, Royal/Grey, Forest Green/Grey, Cardinal/Grey, Purple/Grey, Black.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Mizuno Youth Samurai G3 Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $64.99 DryLite inner liner and three layer padding for protection and comfort. Innovative construction for durability, comfort, and very lightweight performance Patented detachable wings for customized protection and fit. Personalized name plate and removable neck pad for personalization. Low Rebound Technology. Size Youth () Colors Red/Grey, Navy/Grey, Black/Grey, Royal/Grey, Forest Green/Grey, Cardinal/Grey, Purple/Grey, Black.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Rawlings Adult Blackout Catcher’s Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $119.99 Complete blackout design. Rubberized matte finish. Poron XRD provides the best ball control with a new pro style. Power Balance enhanced. Dynamic Fit System over the shoulder provides optimal fit. Flat front keeps ball rebound close and in front of the body. Adjustable and customizable neck roll. Removable shoulder caps. Adult Size . Color Matte Black only. Rawlings Blackout Catchers Series also sold in a set Adult RBOASET. Youth RBOISET.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Rawlings Intermediate Blackout Catcher’s Chest Protector – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $109.99 Complete blackout design. Rubberized matte finish. Poron XRD provides the best ball control with a new pro style. Power Balance enhanced. Dynamic Fit System over the shoulder provides optimal fit. Flat front keeps ball rebound close and in front of the body. Adjustable and customizable neck roll. Removable shoulder caps. Intermediate Size . Color Matte Black only. Rawlings Blackout Catchers Series also sold in a set Adult RBOASET. Youth RBOISET.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

All Star Player’s Series 9-12 Catcher’s Set – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $119.99 Designed for baseball players ages -, this All Star Players Series catchers kit contains several essential pieces of baseball equipment. They are Catchers helmet – SP Chest protector – CPPS Leg guard – LGPS FREE Knee Savers (included in every package) Buy the Set Save .! The youth catchers helmet features a strong, light shell made of injected molded ABS plastic and a dual-welded steel mask. All Stars Players Series Chest Protector comes with multi-layered foam padding with built in sternum plates for added protection. The catchers leg guards are designed with resistant plastic components for better protection and full wing padding for comfort. Colors Black, Navy, Royal, Scarlet.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

All Star Player’s Series 12-16 Catcher’s Set – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $129.99 Designed for baseball players ages -, this All Star Players Series catchers kit contains several essential pieces of baseball equipment. They are Catchers helmet – SP Chest protector – CPAP Leg guard – LGAP FREE Knee Savers (included in every package) Buy the Set Save .! The catchers helmet features a strong, light shell made of injected molded ABS plastic and a dual-welded steel mask. All Stars Players Series Chest Protector comes with multi-layered foam padding with built in sternum plates for added protection. The catchers leg guards are designed with resistant plastic components for better protection and full wing padding for comfort. Colors Black, Navy, Royal, Scarlet.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

All Star Player’s Series 7-9 Catcher’s Set – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors $109.99 Designed for baseball players ages -, this All Star Players Series catchers kit contains several essential pieces of baseball equipment. They are Catchers helmet – SP Chest protector – CPPS Leg guard – LGPS FREE Knee Savers (included in every package) Buy the Set Save .! The youth catchers helmet features a strong, light shell made of injected molded ABS plastic and a dual-welded steel mask. All Stars Players Series Chest Protector comes with multi-layered foam padding with built in sternum plates for added protection. The catchers leg guards are designed with resistant plastic components for better protection and full wing padding for comfort. Colors Black, Navy, Royal, Scarlet.Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors – Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protectors

Sky Blue Pro Style Cool Baseâ„¢ Umpire Polo $49.99 Just like the those seen on MLB umpires- you too can have the look of the pros when calling your next game. Made by Majestic- the official on-field outfitter of Major League Baseball- this Cool Base umpire’s polo is sure to compliment the most avid balls and strikes caller’s head to toe look. 3 Button placket Front left chest pocket Cool Base technology provides moisture management and temperature control- keeping you; cool- dry- and comfortable all day long 100% Polyester Pebble Knit

Bill Grieve 1940s 50s Famo Baseball Umpire Signed Photo $30.04 Bill Grieve 1940s 50s Famo Baseball Umpire Signed Photo Bill Grieve 1940s 50s Famo Baseball Umpire Signed PhotoEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

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