Rule 3-7 Safety
 

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.town...ize=1200%2C750

I am not a plumber
This is the best photo I can find from that game, but is there a concern about #1's hair?

Might not be the best for her. Unless it's braided into a whip or something I'd not bother with.

Unless it can cause harm to other players it's not my concern.

Trying to adjudicate anything here is a land mine I'm not willing to risk stepping on.

Was it last year the story went viral about an official that required a wrestler to cut his hair prior to be able to wreste?

No different than anything else I see to be honest.

Peace

As long as there are no beads interlaced, not a problem.

Like The Crazy Russian Hacker Says ...
 

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.k...=0&w=300&h=300

I like that Black #1 is wearing a mask.

The mask protects her teammates, her opponents, the officials, and herself.

If we ever start playing interscholastic basketball here in Connecticut, masks will be mandatory for players and officials.

Beads are addressed in 3-5-4d
So for Rule 3-7, what hairstyle causes a Safety Concern?

This would be one of those you'd know it if you see it kinda things. Think something like a club or spikes sticking well outside the head.

Chantilly Lace And Pretty Face And A Pony Tail A-Hangin' Down ...
 

Safety Is Number One Priority.

3-7: The referee must 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.

3-5-4-D: Rubber, cloth or elastic bands may be used to control hair. Hard items, including, but not limited to, beads, barrettes and bobby pins, are prohibited. Hair-control devices are not required to meet color restrictions.

I've added another citation just for fun. I've actually had this situation twice over the years.

2005-06 NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations Situation 9: A1 recovers a loose ball on the playing court near the sideline, with his/her body entirely in bounds. However, A1's head is hovering out of bounds and his/her hair (which is in a long ponytail) is touching the floor, out of bounds. RULING: A1 is called for the out-of-bounds violation. (7-1-1; 7-1-2; 9-3-1)

https://t2.genius.com/unsafe/220x220....999x999x1.jpg
The Big Bopper,1958

I think that is precisely the problem. If we make players tuck the draw strings inside their shorts because an opponent could catch a finger on it and break the finger, then this hairstyle seems quite similar to that issue.

How can a finger get caught in a hairstyle unless the braids are tied into loops?

Sorry, I am not dying on that hill. This is not something that would even trip my radar.

Theres more danger to the player if someone grabs her from behind. Especially during an end of game foul session when being horse collared is much more likely.

We do not penalize that in football if a player is tackled by their hair. It is fair game. Not the exact same issue in basketball as you do not tackle each other, but if someone is at threat of that, then they should wear their hair what it does not make that possible. But I am certianly not telling any player to cut their hair or they cannot play with a certain hairstyle.

Funny we only worry about this with certain people and not others.

Peace