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Ball strike out h e

••• •• •••

for coaches and Parents

Nine Innings

of

Brain Safety

in Baseball • Whether in the field or at bat, athletes need to 

know the importance of avoiding hits to the 

head to help reduce their chances of getting 

a concussion or other serious brain injury. 

They should always wear the proper protective 

equipment and, even in the dugout, have their 

eyes on the ball at all times.

• If you think that an athlete has a concussion or 

other serious brain injury: 

1. Remove the athlete from play right away.

2. Make sure the athlete is evaluated by an 

physician or other licensed healthcare 

provider. Do not try to judge the seriousness 

of the injury yourself.

3. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians 

about the known or possible concussion and 

give them the Heads Up Baseball Fact Sheet 

for Parents on concussion.

4. DO NOT allow the athlete to return to play 

the day of the injury. An athlete should return 

to play only after a qualified and informed 

medical provider says it’s ok. 

2nd Support Smarter Play

Inning: • The athlete’s head size should be measured by 

wrapping a soft tape measure around the head, just 

above the eyebrows and ears. The tape measure 

should be level from front to back. (If a soft tape 

measure is not available, string can be used and its 

length measured against a ruler.)

• Helmet sizes often vary from brand-to-brand, so 

it’s important to check the helmet brand’s fit and 

sizing charts to find out which helmet size is right 

for the athlete’s head size. 

3rd

Find the Right Helmet Size

Inning:

• The athlete should be present when buying a new 

helmet to make sure it fits properly. If possible, 

have the athlete wear his or her hair as he or she 

would while playing. Helmet fit can change if the 

athlete’s hairstyle changes. 

• The athlete should be asked how the helmet feels 

when worn. Although the helmet should fit snugly, 

a helmet that is too tight can cause headaches. 

• Batter’s helmet:

• A batter’s helmet should fit snugly all around, 

with no spaces between the pads and the 

athlete’s head. 

• Catcher’s helmet:

• Catchers use a special helmet, which usually 

comes in either a one-piece style that looks 

like a hockey goalie mask or a two-piece style 

that includes a separate mask. Whichever style 

helmet is used, it should fit snugly all around, 

with no spaces between the pads and the 

athlete’s head. 

• Athletes should NOT wear anything under their 

batter’s or catcher’s helmet, unless recommended 

by a physician. This includes a baseball cap. 

Wearing a cap under the helmet will likely prevent 

the helmet from fitting properly.

4th

Get a Good Helmet Fit

Inning:

• Batter’s helmet:

• A batter’s helmet should not sit too high or 

low on his or her head. To check, make sure 

the ear holes line up with the athlete’s ears. 

When the athlete is looking straight forward, 

the bill of the batter’s helmet should be 

parallel to the ground, and the bottom of the 

pad inside the front of the helmet should be 

one inch above the athlete’s eyebrows. 

• Catcher’s helmet:

• Regardless of which style is used, a 

catcher’s helmet should not sit too high or 

low on his or her head. To check, make sure 

the catcher’s mask rests flat on the front of 

the catcher’s helmet. For the older, twopiece style, you can tighten or loosen the 

straps on the sides and top of the face mask 

to adjust how tightly they grip the helmet. 

5th

Check Helmet Coverage

Inning:

• A helmet that fits well and is in good condition can 

help protect a baseball player from the most serious 

kinds of brain or head injuries. But, NO helmet or 

other form of head protection is concussion-proof

—that’s where Smarter Play comes in!

1

st Know the Facts Inning:
for coaches and Parents

052013

Pub. 347

• DO NOT allow the athlete to use a cracked or 

otherwise damaged helmet or a helmet that is 

missing any padding or parts. Check for missing or 

loose padding both before the start of the season 

and regularly during the season. Be sure to replace 

bent face masks on a catcher’s or batter’s helmet. 

• Regularly clean the helmet inside and out with 

warm water and mild detergent. DO NOT soak any 

part of the helmet, or use strong cleaners.

• DO NOT let anyone sit or lean on the helmet.

• DO NOT store a catcher’s or batter’s helmet in 

a hot location or car. Store the helmet in a room 

where the helmet is away from direct sunlight. 

• DO NOT decorate (paint or put stickers on) or 

alter the helmet without first checking with 

the helmet manufacturer, as this may affect 

the safety of the helmet. This information may 

also be listed on the instruction label or on the 

manufacturer’s website.

7th

Care for the Helmet

Inning:

• Look for a batter’s or catcher’s helmet with 

labels that: 

• Have the date of manufacture. This 

information will be helpful in determining 

when the helmet should be replaced or in case 

the helmet is recalled.

• Say NOCSAE1 certified. That label means that 

the helmet has been tested for safety and 

meets safety standards.

8th

Look For Labels

Inning:

• Make sure that you can see the athlete’s eyes 

and that he or she can see straight forward and 

side to side while wearing the helmet.

6th

Ensure Good Vision

Inning:

• Be sure to follow all instructions on the helmet’s 

safety labels regarding replacement. Some 

batter’s or catcher’s helmets have a label that 

says that the helmet should not be ‘reconditioned’; 

helmets with this label will also include how 

long the helmet can be used. However, some of 

these helmets may need to be replaced sooner, 

depending on how they are used.

• Reconditioning involves having a properlylicensed company examine, recondition and 

recertify helmets. Their services include 

repairing cracks or damage, replacing missing 

parts, testing the helmet for safety, and 

approving it for continued use. If you decide 

to have your helmets reconditioned, choose a 

licensed NAERA2

-member. 

9th

When to Replace a Inning:

Batter’s or Catcher’s Helmet

Safer Play is

Smarter Play --

Be a Brain

For more information, visit Safety MVP! www.cdc.gov/concussion

1 National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic 

Equipment: www.nocsae.org 

2 National Athletic Equipment Reconditioning Association: 

www.naera.net/