The catcher shall wear a body/chest protector that meets the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture. The body/chest protector options are:

• A. Traditional chest protector with a NOCSAE-approved pad attached.
• B. A compression shirt that has a NOCSAE-approved cardiac cavity protector built into the shirt.
• C. A newly manufactured traditional chest protector that meets the NOCSAE standard.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

The requirement hinges on NOCSAE certification being established at the time the equipment is manufactured. If the protective garment is produced to meet the NOCSAE standard, it remains compliant for use. A traditional chest protector with a NOCSAE-approved pad attached is acceptable because the pad and protector are certified parts at the time of production, so the overall piece meets the standard. A compression shirt with a NOCSAE-approved cardiac cavity protector built into the shirt is also acceptable since the protective insert is integrated and certified by the manufacturer. A newly manufactured traditional chest protector that meets the NOCSAE standard is the straightforward compliant option as well. Therefore, all of these configurations are permissible when they are manufactured to meet the NOCSAE standard. Modifications after manufacture with non-certified parts could affect compliance, but the focus here is on gear produced to the standard.