When players move up to AAA, they are permitted to use an attachable jaw guard on their helmets for face protection rather than the metal face masks used in Rookie through AA-ball.

In the past, the only available jaw guard was the “C-flap,” which parents would purchase and attach to their current helmets. To do this, parents would often drill a hole in their helmets to attach the C-flap.

Drilling a hole in the helmet voids the safety certification for the helmet, making it ineligible to be used in games or practices. Therefore, Reston-Herndon Little League will no longer allow players to use a third-party C-Flap that has been installed onto a helmet in games or practices.

Helmets with face masks are provided by the league for use in games and practices and it is never necessary for parents to purchase helmets.

However, If your player wants to switch to a jaw guard-style helmet, they must use a helmet with an integrated jaw guard. This means that the jaw guard and helmet are made by the same manufacturer and are designed to work together.

Integrated jaw guard helmets are available from the manufacturers listed below.

Boombah
Helmet (any DEFCON helmet)
Jaw guard

Easton:
Pro Matte with Jaw Guard

Rawlings
Mach with with EXT flap

As always, RHLL will continue to provide helmets to teams for use in games and practices and it is never necessary for parents to purchase helmets. Also, the metal face mask-style protection is completely legal as long as the parent has not drilled a hole in the helmet or altered it in any way.

If you have questions about helmets or any other safety equipment, please fell free to reach out to our Safety and Training Director, Dave Connell at davidconnell@gmail.com.

Posted in Rules

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