As a softball mom, you’re constantly thinking about your daughter’s safety. So do we. So in honor of National Facemask Awareness Month this February, here’s how to keep her head in the game. And keep it safe.

MANDATES REQUIRING FACEMASKS

From the pitch to the hit, when a ball is moving at 50+ mph speeds, facemasks and helmets can make a big difference between a trip around the diamond and a trip to the emergency room. At that speed, the damage can be devastating, resulting in gruesome facial injuries. Injuries that are completely preventable with the right equipment.

That’s why recent mandates have begun requiring facemasks for some players. In 2017, the Missouri State High School Athletic Association required all high school softball pitchers to wear a defensive face mask. Then, in 2018, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association was next ondeck—requiring all high school pitchers, first basemen and third basemen to wear a facemask.

Both of these mandates sparked intense discussions about whether or not facemasks should be required. Whatever your opinion, it’s clear that protective gear like a fastpitch face mask or youth fielders mask is a very simple and feasible way to make a difference not only in your daughter’s protection but also her performance.

STAYING FIERCE ON THE FIELD

At RIP-IT, we want to empower every player, every single game. Nothing should hold your daughter back. Not fear. Not opponents. And definitely not her softball gear. So outfit your daughter with the most trusted, stylish gear in the game. Whether you’ve been considering a girls softball helmet, youth softball facemask or fastpitch facemask, get her geared up for greatness with the RIP-IT gear that’s right for her.

If your daughter’s just starting out, give her the confidence she needs to step up to the plate and swing with unwavering confidence with the Vision Youth Softball Helmet. It’s designed with a wider field of view for that on-coming pitch and a wicking dual-layer padding for comfortable protection. And for extra fastpitch protection, help your daughter keep her eye on the ball with the Vision Pro Softball Helmet—with an added Blackout Technology coating that helps eliminate glares. Either way, with a RIP-IT softball helmet on, nothing will come between your daughter and her best at bat.

For anywhere else on the field, consider a youth fielders masks like our Defense Softball Fielder’s Mask or Defense Pro Softball Fielder’s Mask. Both models have a lightweight design, steel bars and a powder-coat finish for maximum protection and minimum impact on the field of view, while the Pro model features the added Blackout Technology. No matter which you choose, your daughter can play on like the fearless warrior she is—so she can face a hit, field a drive or stop a hop without hesitation. And with optional Chin Cups and Pony Tail Straps available in a variety of colors, your daughter can run bases and turn heads.

OUR $5,000 PEACE OF MIND POLICY

Of course, keeping your daughter safe in the game is just as important to us as it is to you. Which is why we even created a $5,000 Peace of Mind Policy that will protect your daughter through and through. If she suffers an injury as a direct result of a softball striking your Vision Pro, Vision Youth helmet, or RIP-IT Defense Pro fielder’s mask, RIP-IT will help cover your medical costs up to $5,000.

Check out all our Protective Gear to find the perfect fit for your daughter. And don’t forget the youth softball sliding shorts to match like our Women’s Classic Softball Pants—so you can check off everything on your fastpitch softball equipment list.