AirPods??

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by LRZ

It's neither clear nor simple.

Agree. 3.5 SITUATION A was somewhat helpful, but it's no longer in the casebook.

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 … 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 vertical reach, or to gain a competitive 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.

Let's move away from casebook plays and stick with the rules.

2-2: The officials’ jurisdiction, prior to the game, begins when they
arrive on the floor. The officials’ arrival on the floor shall be at least 15
minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game.

3-5-1: The referee shall not permit any team member to wear
equipment or apparel which, in his/her judgment, is dangerous or confusing
to other players or is not appropriate.

3-6-7: The referee shall not permit any team member to participate if in his/her
judgment any item constitutes a safety concern, such as, but not limited to, a
player’s fingernails or hairstyle.

Somewhat subjective ("judgment") and are not specific to the game or pregame ("participate").

How about "team member" rather than "player"?

4-34-4: A team member is a member of bench personnel who is in
uniform and is eligible to become a player.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Let's move away from casebook plays and stick with the rules.

Now let's combine the rules:

During the officials’ jurisdiction (when they arrive on the floor) the referee shall not permit any team member (bench personnel in uniform and eligible to become players) to participate with equipment which, in his judgment, is dangerous (constitutes a safety concern) to other players (which can include teammates), or is not appropriate for basketball (not needed to play the game).

If equipment, like headphones, is judged to be a safety concern, or not appropriate for basketball, during the game, why would it be not be judged the same before the game?

I wish it were clearer, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.