Baseball Question - Any experts/dads out there?

[baseballpadre]

Hi, quick question about the rules regarding my son?s catcher's equipment. I was wondering about the difference between the full, hockey-style mask and the old-school style that goes over the skull cap. I recently purchased the facemask style that goes over the skull cap for my son who has recently picked up catching a big way. I got him this mask (http://www.baseballbargains.com/shop/allstar-lightweight-ultracool-catchers-facemask-fm25luc/) but a few of the parents at our workouts have made comments about some regulations or rules I was unaware of. In my nervousness, I just ordered this mask (http://www.baseballbargains.com/shop/mizuno-youth-samurai-catchers-helmet-g4-380192/) as well that looks a lot safer but I know it doesn't have that cool pro look my son wants. Should I bring both with me just in case? Or does anyone know how this aspect of the game is governed? Anything helps!

[Martianlander]

Somebody with younger kids can tell you more about the rules, but I would carry both. Kind of like the guy in Lonesome Dove said about the gun. "I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it"

[BrunswickDawg]

Check with the park your kid is registered to play at, or if they play within a certain governing association like Little League, Pony League, Dixie Youth, etc., the rules should be on their websites. My son caught up until a couple of years ago, and there were no regs for our gear.

[Political Hack]

There's usually not rules regarding catchers gear except that they have to wear a cup.

The mask over a helmet is easier to snatch off. The hockey style masks are the new trend though.