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NOCSAE Summer Standards Meeting Recap

The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) held its summer standards meeting on July 22. The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) attended the meeting virtually and has this recap.

Lacrosse Sticks

Concerns over the crosse, or head, of a brand of lacrosse stick with “can opener” technology were addressed. This crosse has two protrusions where the manufacturer advertises its ability to help defenders use a “can opener” move that separates the ball from an offensive player. The NCAA men’s lacrosse rules committee ruled this crosse is illegal for the 2023 and 2024 seasons and said no protrusions or sharp edges to the head of the crosse shall be permitted. The NCAA said the roughly triangular shape of the head of the crosse has been an integral part of the game of lacrosse since its inception and this change will help promote and maintain the integrity of the crosse head in the future. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) also ruled this crosse is illegal for use in boys lacrosse for the 2023 season.

Youth Football Helmet Standard

Discussion continued on a proposed youth football helmet standard. One of the goals is to clarify the language in the proposed standard, so it is clear that a high school football player must be wearing a helmet intended for high school competition. This would take into account that some states allow seventh and eighth graders to play high school football. It was also discussed that a youth player could wear a high school-level helmet because of his body/head size.

Non-Contact Football Headgear

The possibility of developing a standard for non-contact football headgear continued to be discussed. Mike Oliver, NOCSAE executive director, said there are significant differences between youth players playing flag football and high-school age kids playing competitive 7-on-7 football. Oliver also asked if a standard can be done that doesn’t cause other injuries a player may not have received because someone is wearing headgear.

Flag Football Injury Data Review

NOCSAE research director Kim Barber Foss discussed a study she is working on which identifies specific injury epidemiology in youth flag football. The key findings will be available for the public when the study is published.

Other Rules Updates

High School Softball Glove-Color Restrictions Relaxed

Glove-color restrictions and jewelry were part of the rules changes proposed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee and approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for the 2023 season.

Color restrictions for gloves and mitts were loosened as part of Rule 1-4-1. Previously, gloves and mitts could not consist of more than two colors excluding lacing and manufacturer’s logos. For the 2023 season, there will be no limit on the number of colors as long as no part of the glove/mitt – including lacing and seams – is the same color as the ball; has markings that give the appearance of the ball; or is made in a manner that is distracting to the umpire. Rule 3-2-12 was removed and the wearing of jewelry was approved. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted. “The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has entertained this possible rule change on multiple occasions based on previous proposals submitted by the membership,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. “This year’s overwhelming member response in favor of permitting the wearing of jewelry strongly influenced the Committee’s decision to approve this proposal. Rule language, however, continues to allow umpires the authority to expel items they deem dangerous or distracting to any player.” In a causal change, Rule 3-6-11 strengthens language to emphasize that electronic devices only be used in the dugout during games to prevent teams from utilizing them as an on-field signaling system under the new jewelry-friendly regulations.

High School Baseball Catcher’s Mask Rules Clarified

Catcher's mask eye shields and jewelry for high school baseball players and coaches were among the rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee. The rules were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for the 2023 season.

Rule 1-5-4 added language clarifying that eye shields attached to a catcher’s mask after manufacture are prohibited. Eye shields that are attached at the time of manufacture must be clear.

The change to Rule 1-5-12 allows players and coaches to wear jewelry after the Baseball Rules Committee voted to remove its prohibition from the rules. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted by rule. While most jewelry will be permitted, the Baseball Rules Committee noted that the current rules still state that any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to a player or opponent should be removed. “The game of baseball has evolved and players have demonstrated that wearing a bracelet or a necklace does not impede their ability to play or increase any risk to themselves or their opponents,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee.

NCAA Softball Approves Experimental Use of Double First Base

The NCAA Softball Rules Committee approved the use of a double first base on an experimental basis for the 2022-23 academic year. The double first base would allow the fielder to use half the base and the batter-runner to use the other half.

Both teams would have to agree to use the double first base during regular-season spring games or fall competitions played in the nontraditional season. Base specifications and specific rules on how to use the base will be included later as part of the experimental rule. Schools that choose to use this experimental rule must submit a waiver request and collect specific data points that will be outlined by the rules committee. The committee also required that all sideline and home run fences constructed of wood, concrete or brick be padded by Jan. 1, 2027. Padding must begin not higher than 1 foot off the ground and extend to the top of the wood, concrete or brick or 6 feet from the ground, whichever is shorter. Currently, padding is strongly recommended for fences made of wood, concrete and brick and is a requirement for backstops constructed of those materials. The delayed implementation was recommended due to the costs associated with this proposal.