Originally Posted by BillyMac
*3.5 SITUATION A: What are the standards which the referee must use in determining
whether a team member will be permitted to wear certain equipment?
RULING: There are three criteria which determine the legality of equipment. First,
any equipment which, in the judgment of the referee, is dangerous to others. In
this respect, elbow, wrist, hand, finger or forearm guards, casts or braces made
of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, plastic, metal or any other hard substance
shall always be declared illegal “even though covered with soft padding.” Thus,
the rule does not permit that this provision be set aside. The prohibition of the
use of hard substance material does not apply to the upper arm, or shoulder if
the hard material is appropriately padded so that in the judgment of the referee it
is not hazardous to others. Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the
manufacturer’s original design are permitted and do not require any additional
padding/covering. Equipment which could cut or cause an opponent to have an
abrasion is also always illegal and, therefore, is prohibited.
It will be noted that the listing of equipment which is always illegal is not inclusive.
It cannot identify every item which is not permitted. The generalization is
required since the referee’s judgment is necessary. The second standard provides
that “any equipment which is unnatural and designed to increase the player’s
height or reach, or to gain an advantage, shall not be used.” The referee is given
no leeway here and judgment is not required. The third criterion provides that
equipment used must be appropriate for basketball and not be confusing. In this
sense, gloves, football face masks and helmets are not acceptable. A protector for
a broken nose, even though made of hard material, is permissible provided it is
worn molded to the face with no protrusions. Eyeglass protectors are considered
appropriate equipment for basketball provided they meet the qualifications for
legal equipment, including the third criterion.
Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry and may be
worn provided: 1) religious medals are taped and worn under the uniform, necklaces/
bracelets must be removed or also taped and completely under the uniform;
and 2) medical-alert medals are taped to the body (portions may be visible to
show medical information), necklaces/bracelets must be removed or also completely
taped. An artificial limb may not be worn unless it has been specifically
approved by the state association and such authorization statement is available
to the referee.
The referee must rule on the legality of any piece of equipment which is worn
to protect an injury. Protective equipment must be individually inspected and
approved using the criteria outlined. In the case of headwear for medical,
cosmetic or religious reasons, the state association may approve upon proper
documentation as in 3-5-3 Exception a.
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