Abstract: A protective helmet and facemask assembly for use by baseball catchers, umpires, etc. The helmet is configured to cover a person's head, leaving a face area open. A facemask having a frame to fit around a person's face and a protective grid covering the frame is secured to the helmet by elastic straps. The mask can be moved between positions over a person's face to a position frictionally engaging the top of the helmet by pulling the mask slightly away from the helmet and pushing it upward. A chinstrap is provided to help hold the assembly on a person's head. The throat guard may loosely depend from the chinstrap. A suspension including a headband may hold the helmet spaced from the person's head, with the headband adjustable to provide a desired fit.