Lincoln Little League makes every effort to make sure that our players are as safe as possible while participating in on and off field baseball activities. As of January 1, 2022, Lincoln Little League has updated helmet policy and guidance on approved helmets, consistent with Little League International rules and policies.

Lincoln, RI Little League Helmet Policy

The new Lincoln Little League SAFETY POLICY on batting helmets allows the C Flap helmet or jaw breaker helmet to be worn in place of the full face cage helmet in the Major division only. All other minor divisions will continue to wear the full face cage helmet.

Effective January 1, 2022, Lincoln Little League will require all players to wear a helmet certified by the National Operating Committee in Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). Helmets also need to include an attachment that provides additional protection to the jaw (ex,. Cage, C-Flap.) This additional attachment (ex. Cage, C-Flap) is a piece of plastic that extends to cover the batter’s cheek and jaw. Helmets with cage facemasks are also acceptable provided they are NOCSAE-certified. Lincoln Little League will provide NOCSAE-certified helmets with the additional cage attachment to protect the jaw at all fields where League games are played. Any player who wishes to wear his or her own helmet must ensure that the helmet complies with NOCSAE standards and this Policy. Lincoln Little League will not be held responsible for injuries resulting from a player wearing a disqualified helmet in violation of this Policy.

FAQs

Is there a difference between Majors and Minor Divisions?
Yes.  The minor divisions must wear a full cage.  Only the Major Division will have the flexibility to wear either a full cage or a C-Flap to protect the cheek and jaw.

What type of batting helmet does Little League International require?
Little League International requires that all players wear a batting helmet that is certified by NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment).

What is NOCSAE?
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment. NOCSAE is an independent and nonprofit standards development body with the sole mission to enhance athletic safety through scientific research and the creation of performance standards for athletic development.

How is Lincoln Little League Helmet Policy different than Little League International’s Requirement?
In addition to the NOCSAE certification requirement, Lincoln Little League also requires all players to wear a helmet that includes an attachment to provide additional protection to the jaw (ex,. C-Flap). This additional attachment (ex. C-Flap) is a piece of plastic that extends to cover the batter’s cheek and jaw. Helmets with cage facemasks are also acceptable provided they are NOCSAE-certified. Lincoln Little League strongly encourages all players to wear a helmet with a full mask and believe this additional precaution promotes safety by further protecting a batter’s cheek and jaw, reducing the likelihood of a batter getting hit in the face with a pitched or batted ball. While Little League International requires all helmets to be NOCSAE-certified, LLI does not require additional attachment....