Expert: Rick Bundy - 5/17/2011

Question
My husband coaches a competitive 12 and under baseball team.  He and his coaches have a rule that while it is still cool, the boys must wear underarmour long enough to cover their elbows.  However, some of the parents are complaining.  At what temperature does one need to keep the elbows protected?

Answer
Julie:  Thank you for your question.

There is no set temperature, just a feel for each individual.

Since you are in Montana, cool stays a lot longer than where I am in Arizona.

Your husband and his coaches have the right idea, they are looking out for the welfare of their players.  I am not quite sure what there would be about their rule that would have parents complaining.  If the opposite were the rule, and they were making them wear short sleeves, even when it is cool or cold, their complaints would make sense.

Tell your husband and his coaches to hang in there.  Keep taking good care of those kids!

Yours in baseball,

Rick