I only do NCAA rules games, but I'm not sure I want to be trying to figure out if the "bands" the guys wearing are just sweatbands or are legitimate orthopedic supports. If you take a look at
www.kneeshop.com and look at the knee or patella bands (worn just below the knee) and elbow support products (worn just below the elbow) there's no obvious difference on a lot of them. And it's always been my understanding that any braces, supports, etc. that do not create a safety hazard for either the player or his opponent are legal. I really don't want to be the fashion police, just verify that any "additional equipment" does not create a safety hazard and is not expressly prohibited in the rules.