Illegal Equipment During Warmups ...

[BillyMac]

We had our mandatory new rules local meeting last night.

We discussed equipment color restrictions and it was mentioned that players could not "even" warmup with such illegal color equipment (undershirts, headbands, wristbands, arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves, compression shorts, tights).

I disagree. The NFHS doesn't seem to want team members warming up with equipment that is unsafe, for example jewelry, and as such wants unsafe equipment removed “immediately”.

NFHS interpretations (below) seem indicate that team members with illegal “colors” are only restricting from “participating” in the actual “game”, and may continue to warmup with teammates. I’m not sure that there is NFHS support the for the view that team members with illegal “colors” must not be allowed to participate in warmups and must remove such illegal color equipment immediately.

3.5 SITUATION A: The officials are on the court prior to the game observing the team warm-ups. One official notices that a member of Team A is wearing a decorative necklace. RULING: The official should inform the team member to remove the jewelry immediately. Upon compliance, the team member may continue to warm up with his or her teammates and may start the game without penalty.

3.5.3 SITUATION A: Before the game, officials are watching Team A warm up and notice A3 is wearing a black compression sleeve and white tights. RULING: Illegal because the rule requires individual players to wear the same color sleeves and tights. A3 will not be allowed to participate while wearing the different color items. No penalty is involved. A3 simply cannot participate until the color restriction is corrected. (3-5-3)

3.5.4 SITUATION A: Team A’s school colors are blue and gold and the predominant color of Team A’s jerseys are white. Prior to the game, an official notices that several Team A members are wearing (a) blue headbands and blue wristbands; or (b) beige pre-wrap around the entire head and blue wristbands. RULING: Illegal in (a). Illegal equipment in (b); the headband colors do not match the wristband color requirements. The official shall inform the player and the head coach that these items are illegal and may not be worn during the game because they do not meet the color requirements.

Comments?

Anybody got any other citations?