[JRutledge]

Once again I understand why the many basketball officials feel the way they do. The problem is that there are many more safety rules with equipment in football. What players are allowed to wear or not allowed to wear can have heavy consequences. It is easy for basketball officials to think the officials used a black and white interpretation on this play, but the problem is the rules of football when it comes to safety are much more black and white. The rules do not allow us to make decisions based on if a kid or coach is an inspiration to us all. If this kid gets hurt the officials would be one of the first to have to defend their actions. The state association and school should have done everything to make sure there would be no problem. At the very least the school should have made sure that no one could make up their own interpretation. The rules are pretty clear in football. All players have to have certain equipment to play football.

Jeff, this is not much different than the girl that was Muslim that wanted to play basketball with long sweats and a headdress. This is clearly a violation of all of our rules, but the IHSA told everyone across the state to allow it and why. The Ohio organization should have done the same.

Peace