Baseball and softball injuries can happen in a numerous amount of ways. While most happen from falling, landing wrong, or colliding with players, a small amount are from colliding with on field equipment, including fences and dugouts.
As a result, the NCAA has recently implemented these new rules related to padding for baseball and softball:
Recommend that padding be placed on all hard surfaces (backstops, sideline, and homerun fences) that a player is likely (commonly/reasonably) to collide with during play. (via NCAA Baseball, effective in 2023)
By January 1, 2027, to require sideline and home run fences constructed of a hard material (e.g., wood, concrete or brick) to be padded. Padding must begin not higher than 1 foot off the ground and extend to the top of the wood, concrete or brick or 6 feet from the ground, whichever is shorter. This is required for any field hosting NCAA softball competition. (via NCAA Softball)
Protecting your baseball and softball players is a top priority for coaches, field managers and athletic directors. On Deck Sports prides itself on player safety with our field equipment. With these new rules changes, it is a perfect time for our collegiate customers to upgrade or add custom padding.
Our custom padding is expertly crafted in various shapes – round, square, tapered, straight, and multi-sided – to fit even the most challenging areas. We offer Stadium & Backstop Padding, General Wall Padding, and Post & Column padding to our customers. Customers are able to choose up to 17 colors with their padding with the option of putting their team logo on it as well!
The Stadium & Backstop Padding has an 18 oz. vinyl backstop with grommets on all four sides at 12" increments with 2" of velcro foam. In addition, multiple sizes are available, with heights of 2 to 5 inches and several width options. Plus, our Post & Column Padding is available in nearly any size or configuration.
Check out some of our other padding projects in this blog!
On Deck Sports offers a price match guarantee on all products. If you’re interested in purchasing custom padding from On Deck Sports, fill out the item request form on the product page or call us at 1-800-365-6171.