*Please note that our fielding face mask policy is included as a waiver that must be signed during all registration events.

The LNGS policy regarding fielding face masks is as follows:

• ALL 6U players are required to wear fielding face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• ALL 8U players are required to wear fielding face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• ALL 10U players are required to wear fielding face masks at all positions during practice and games.
• 12U infield players (1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, shortstop, and pitcher) are required to wear fielding face masks during practice and games.
• 14U pitchers are required to wear fielding face masks during practice and games.
• 14U infield positions are highly recommended to wear fielding face masks.

This policy is based on evolving safety concerns within the softball community, and is not exclusive to LNGS. Face mask policies are rapidly being enacted at other local leagues and leagues throughout the country.

In an study published by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, it was concluded that "being hit by a ball was the most common mechanism of injury (52.4%) and accounted for most of face (89.6%) and head (75.7%) injuries". Pitchers and third base are especially vulnerable to fast moving balls. Additional articles can be found in the Rip-It Blog inlcuding their Facemask Awareness Month posts. Click here for a college pitchers experience.