Head covering POE
 

The POE in the rulebook says that a player wanting to wear a head covering for medical or religious reasons has to present those reasons to the state association. "If approved, the state association shall provide written authorization to the school to be made available to officials."

But the NFHS powerpoint then says: "the player presents a doctor’s note which indicates the player must wear a head covering for a medical reason, the officials shall permit a non-dangerous covering or wrap to be worn".

This makes it sound like the player presents the doctor's note to the game officials without the aforementioned written authorization from the state association.

Are we going to allow a player to wear headgear based on a doctor's note at the table? Or are we going to require the state association's authorization?

I think that each state has it's own procedures for medical and religious exceptions.

Totally agree, but you see the contradiction between the two statements, right? One says the team member only plays with a written state authorization; the other says (sounds like, anyway) the team member plays by presenting a doctor's note to the game officials.

Connecticut ...
 

Connecticut. If no prior approval, assuming that it's not a safety hazard, and will is not likely to fall off, we've been instructed to allow the head covering in our game, to let the coach know that the player needs approval, and to later call our assignment commissioner who will contact the state governing body.

Requires CIAC approval:
– school submits request with proper documents;
- CIAC makes decision
- CIAC notifies school and IAABO state & local interpreter.
- IAABO interpreter notifies Assignment Commissioner and members

CIAC/IAABO Protocol

If no prior CIAC approval and coach brings to your attention during pre-game warm-ups, do the following:

Allow player to play
Inform coach that player needs CIAC approval
Alert Assignment Commissioner and Interpreter, who will alert CIAC

I am going to follow what is written in the rules book, not some PowerPoint that hasn't been distributed in my area.

The rules book can be pulled out and handed to a coach on the spot and he can see the requirements for himself. That cannot be done with a powerpoint.

Ohio is nothing needed for religious and jist a doctors note for medical. Usual safety rules apply.

I doubt stats boards want to deal with these requests.

I'm allowing any religious headwear regardless. I'll follow up with the state later. No reason for officials to end up in articles talking about religious intolerance.

Amen.

Amen ...
 

Well played SC Official. Too bad I already put in my nomination for Post O' The Week.