Rule for removal of helmet during live ball play

[khrtsz]

I haven't done much Little League in the past couple of years. When I have a Question on a rule someone always seams to have a rule book to find the answer. But when they call me at home I can't give them an official chapter and verse to satisfy their inquiry. I don't own a Little League book.

So, What is the ruling when a player intentionally removes his helmet during a live ball situation?

[kyle_jt]

There is no specific rule covering this.

I do know some overly officious officials that have actually ejected players who've removed their helmets just steps from the dugout door, so be aware of those types.

It is a safety concern, especially when the ball is still flying around, or could be.

Care to tell us what prompted this question?

[khrtsz]

I'm not sure of the situation. I just had a message on the phone. In High School play I stop play for safety reasons, then give a team warning and eject the next offender. I'm really not that critical if the the player involved is not a part of a play being made.

[KenGibes]

This is the same as "throwing the bat," and all the arguments for how to handle bat throwing apply equally to players who doff their helmets while on the field.

I was PU for a district semi-final LL game a few years ago when one of the BUs ejected a player for pulling his helmet off about 3 steps from the dugout. The player had pulled his helmet off during a dead ball situation while he was on base, and the umpire issued him a warning. Actually, it was a threat... something like, "Keep your helmet on or I'll eject you." In the post-game, the BU said he felt like he's painted himself into a corner by threatening the player, so he felt he didn't have any recourse in the matter.

[AugieDonatelli]

This is the same as "throwing the bat," and all the arguments for how to handle bat throwing apply equally to players who doff their helmets while on the field.

I was PU for a district semi-final LL game a few years ago when one of the BUs ejected a player for pulling his helmet off about 3 steps from the dugout. The player had pulled his helmet off during a dead ball situation while he was on base, and the umpire issued him a warning. Actually, it was a threat... something like, "Keep your helmet on or I'll eject you." In the post-game, the BU said he felt like he's painted himself into a corner by threatening the player, so he felt he didn't have any recourse in the matter.
The BU did paint himself into a corner. He shouldn't have said anything during a dead ball situation to start with. Where is there a rule that says a player can't remove his helmet when the ball is dead? It is extremely OOO to worry about helmets when the ball is dead, or when a player is 3 steps from the dugout. Umpires need to turn a blind eye to minor infractions that have no bearing on the play. That way, when something major happens, you still have your credibility. It's kind of like "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." The umpire has nitpicked every little thing, then nobody takes him seriously on a big thing.

[renegadewolf]

Locally her in guelph Ontario we have a "house" rule regarding helmets and chin straps, but it's always been more of a common sense thing. time is granted to a coach, its a hot day, kid takes of his helmet to wipe his brow.... no big deal, no safety issue, but during play for me, especially when i do younger kids games safety has to come first. I don't want to try to explain to my bosses what a 10 year old is in hospital with a concussion because he was bored, not paying attention and taking his helmet off his head. maybe thats the over reactive parent in me talking but if I call time and instruct a kid to leave his helmet on his head, it's 10 seconds well spent keeping them safe and it didn't really interrupt the flow of the game, and you will never find a coach who will object to you keeping his kids safe

[bigbird69]

The rule book says all offensive players have to wear a helmet in play at all times... but there is no penalty. I take that as I cannot put the ball in play until they are wearing them, but never warn of ejection over this. Though I do warn if I see them do it while running bases.

[catoblue]

I look at it as a safety infraction. If it in any way may jeopardize the player's safety, I'll warn them about it. if it continues, an EJ is supported in the rules 4.15(5).