Long Hair

[BillyMac]

Safety Concerns 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.

I had a concern this past week, boy, braids, medium length, no beads, but each braid ended with "hair knots". Braids swung around, but not enough to pose a hazard, not even to himself. I let him play.

Then I started to ponder, what if the knotted (no beaded) braids were long enough (more likely with a girl) to pose a hazard to said player or an opponent?

Even without beads, we can still use 3-7.

Of course, one risks being labeled culturally insensitive, and showing up on the national media, but safety comes first.

Also had a girl with medium length braids with beads this past week. The beaded braids were not close to the head, but didn't appear long enough to create any safety problem.

Coach and I discussed and decided to use a few bobby pins (now legal) to successfully prevent the beaded braids from any swinging around.

I did not want to appear on any national media.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Safety Concerns 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..

From where is that reference? The actual rule wording is slightly different and more generic.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

From where is that reference?

Sorry, old rule book.

2024-25 NFHS Rulebook:

Safety Concerns 3-7: The referee shall not permit any team member to participate if in the referee’s judgment any item constitutes a safety concern.

Purpose and intent?

Is hair an "item"?