Which players may wear face/head protection?

• A. The pitcher, second baseman and shortstop.
• B. Any fielder.
• C. Only the catcher.
• D. No player may wear protective gear.

Answer: (A)

Face/head protection is about guarding players from facial injuries when hard line drives or fast batted balls come toward them. In NFHS baseball, certain defensive positions are identified as permissible wearers of this equipment to help reduce that risk without hindering their play. The pitcher and the middle infielders—second base and shortstop—are the positions singled out because they are routinely in the path of high-speed balls hit toward the infield and need to react quickly while still on the field. That’s why this combination is listed as the players who may wear face/head protection.

The other options don’t fit because they either broaden the group beyond what the rule specifies, or they imply an incorrect limitation, or they assume no protective gear is allowed at all, which isn’t the case in standard NFHS practice.