b. false
The statement is false. According to the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), the use of a helmet mask combination meeting their standard is not required. Rather, NOCSAE provides standards for specific equipment, such as helmets, that are intended to enhance safety in sports. While it is recommended and widely preferred for catchers to wear a helmet mask combination that meets safety standards, it may not be explicitly mandated by law in all jurisdictions.