Headbands, Knots, And Tails

[BillyMac]

My online Forum friend, Zoochy, from Missouori (he always wants me to show him citations), have been discussing headbands, knots, and tails.

Nice to see that Zoochy is having the same Fashion Police interruption problems in Missouri that we have here in Connecticut.

As usual, my answers were based on “When in Rome ...”.

Tails, more correctly called extensions? NFHS and IAABO “technically” say no tails, and no to tails tucked in.

But here in my little corner of Connecticut most (but not all) varsity guys are just satisfied if they tuck them in, and I do the same, right or wrong, in my middle school games.

Knots in general? Knotted pre-wrap? Debatable (see below).

In my little corner of Connecticut almost all varsity guys allow knotted pre-wrap, and I do the same, right or wrong, in my middle school games.

NFHS citations:

NFHS 3-5-4-B: Wristbands and headwear shall meet the following guidelines: A headband is any item that goes around the entire head. It must be a circular design without extensions.

NFHS 2015-16 Basketball Rules Interpretations
Situation 4: An official notices members of Team A are wearing headbands that have extensions. Ruling: Illegal. The coach should be informed that the headbands with extensions are illegal and the players will not be allowed to enter the game wearing them. (3-4-5b)

NFHS 2019-20 Basketball Rules Interpretations
Situation 1: A1 is waiting at the table to substitute into the game. The official recognizes the substitute is wearing pre-wrap tied in the back as a headband. RULING: The substitute is permitted to enter the game wearing the pre-wrap as a headband provided it meets all the guidelines for a headband. (3-5-4b)

NFHS 2021-22 Basketball Rules Interpretations
Situation 2: A player from Team A is wearing a religious head covering (a) secured around the head/face with no added fasteners or abrasive materials; (b) secured with bobby pins; (c) tied together in a knot behind the head. RULING: (a) Legal; (b) and (c) illegal. Comment: Players may wear head coverings for religious reasons that fit securely and are free from abrasive materials. There is no longer a need for state association approval. Bobby pins, barrettes and extensions that tie in a knot are not permitted. (3-5-4d, e)

NFHS 3.5.4 Situation B: An official notices members of Team A are wearing headbands that have extensions. Ruling: Illegal. The coach should be informed that the headbands with extensions are illegal and the players will not be allowed to enter the game wearing them.

IAABO citation:

IAABO Inside The Lines: Nuances of Uniform Regulations (I don't have a date for this IAABO citation): “Knots” and “extensions” created by the use of pre-wrap are considered legal. The pre-wrap must be tied somehow. If the official rules the extensions would cause a safety issue, address the head coach to get them shortened to a reasonable length and still be tied appropriately.

What say other Forum members?