When rules change in regard to equipment, we always want to make sure you’re fully informed. This is particularly true when it involves player safety – because nothing is more important. Such a rule went into effect at the beginning of 2020 that requires all high school catchers to wear a specific type of chest protector. If you haven’t already heard, let’s get you up to speed.
Why Establish A New Chest Protector Standard?
It all has to do with Commotio Cordis, which is a disruption of the heart rhythm that occurs as a result of a blunt, often fairly mild, blow to the area directly over the heart at a critical time during the cycle of a heart beat, causing a potentially life-threatening situation. It’s extremely rare, but it does happen, which is why NOCSAE developed this new chest protection standard that is expected to significantly reduce the risk.
Do I Need A New Chest Protector?
So as long as high school catchers are wearing the newly certified chest protectors, there’s no reason to worry. The protectors that meet the new chest protector standard will be clearly marked with the following SEI/NOCSAE logo on the chest protector’s primary protective component.
If a chest protector does not display this logo, it does not meet the new chest protector standard.
As of now, the NFHS is the only league to adopt this new standard. If your son or daughter is in Little League, Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, or any other youth organization, he or she does not have to wear this specially certified equipment. That being said, some manufacturers have gone ahead and incorporated the new standard into their youth chest protectors. If you’re a parent interested in purchasing this for your child, or interested in adult catcher’s sets, just look for the SEI/NOCSAE logo and/or Commotio Cordis Certified language in the product description.
As alluded to before, when players take the field, their safety is the first priority. Freeing them from the fear of getting hurt allows them to focus solely on the game, and parents to breathe a little easier as they watch their child do what they love to do: compete. It also allows us to take just a little bit of pride in knowing we equipped that player with the protective gear they need to perform their best. So if you’re looking for a Commotio Cordis Certified chest protector, look no further than BaseballSavings.com.
