The responsibility for high school baseball players being properly equipped will fall more on coaches next year and take some of the pressure off of umpires according to National Federation of High Schools rules that were approved last month.
Prior to the start of each game, each head coach must verify to the umpires that all participants are legally equipped and equipment is in according with NFHS rules. The new rule specifically includes bats that are compliant with NFHS rules and are unaltered from the original manufacturer’s design and production, and helmets that are undamaged.
“For the most part coaches know what bats their kids are swinging, but I think also that coaches will spend more time checking bats and helmets,” McCallie coach Chris Richardson said.
The new rules also eliminate equipment inspection by umpires unless requested by one of the coaches.
“It might make things a little easier for everyone,” said Soddy-Daisy coach Jared Hensley. “[The rule change] makes coaches more susceptible but probably makes them more aware of the rules and increases the chance that everything is done properly.”