While protective face masks are becoming more common across all levels of softball the conversation around rather they should be required continues. As a youth or even high school/club coach the “face mask conversation” can be tough, especially when a parent or guardian isn’t on board.
As a coach, what if you want to require certain positions wear masks? How can you go about having a productive conversation? What are strategies you can utilize to work through any disagreements? Let’s look at some options.
1. LISTEN
First and foremost, hear out the parent or guardian who is objecting. You can’t be emotional, don’t get upset or defensive – it’s likely not personal. Ask them about their concerns and why they are taking issue. Can they pinpoint the reason or do they “just not want to”? Is it a cost concern for another piece of gear? Try to get to the bottom off the problem, then you can work on addressing it.
2. EDUCATE
I use this word carefully as you need to be strategic in how you “educate” parents who are likely your peers; people don’t like to feel like they are being talked down to or belittled. Your goal is to present information that may help them make a more informed decision. There are a few ways to do this:
a) Show them the state of and increased commonality of masks in in NCAA DI game. Here are just a few of the pitchers who are wearing masks every time they take the field: Kaylee Hewitt (Virginia Tech), Erin Edmoundson (Texas Tech), Florida Gator legend Kelly Barnhill, Sydney Sickels (Illinois), Sydney Nester (NC State), Miranda Elish (Texas), and so many more. The best in the game are wearing masks, it doesn’t take anything away from an athlete’s talent, skill, or ability.
b) For some people, they learn through visuals and stories. With one Google or YouTube search you can find countless videos and stories about athletes suffering severe facial injuries, or scary near misses, by a batted ball. It’s serious with potential long term consequences. Sometimes people need that visual, tangible information.
c) There are a few scientific studies that have been conducted about the effectiveness of masks and the types of injuries medical professionals are seeing from the sport of softball. Find them here: “Do Infield Softball Masks Effectively Reduce Facial Fracture Risk?” and “A Retrospective Analysis of Softball-Related Head and Facial Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 2013-2017“.
d) Offer viewpoints about masks they may not have considered. One that makes an interesting point is that a mask can actually help a pitcher or corner infielder feel more confident and bold in their play. Imagine it, if you know you have that little bit of extra protection it could free you up to play more aggressively and with less fear. That’s never a bad thing.
3. SEEK HELP
If you are still having complications, seek help from the leadership within your program or club. You’re not trying to “bully” anyone but sometimes bringing someone else into the conversation, when done correctly, can really help.
4. KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY
Sometimes despite everything you do and how well you go about it, you may still have conflict. There comes a time where conversations need to cease and the rubber meets the road. In the end, you are the coach and especially if you have the support of your organization, you set the rule. Parents and guardians can adhere or find another place to play. This “go find another program” isn’t always the right course of action but when we are talking about youth softball athletes wearing protective gear – especially pitchers and potentially corner infielders – it’s relevant. It is a player safety, gear, and equipment issue, period. You can’t bat without a helmet, you can’t catch without gear; this truthfully isn’t any different.
