Here in Nebraska and Iowa, both associations said the rubber wristbands are jewelry and should not be worn. Heard of a football crew that got chewed out by the state association because they considered it like a sweatband. The observer said it doesn't absorb sweat, it's jewelry!

gum
 

zebra, what is wrong with chewing gum. is that somewhere in the rule book. I buy super bubble(grape and green apple) by the 500 piece box each season. If I don't chew gum my mouth gets real dry and I find that I chew my mouth guard off of my whistle. I also find that my teeth hurt after a long night of calling.

We also require that players flip their NBA headbands so that the logo can not be seen. No rubber bands can be worn either.

NFHS 4-6 states "One visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark is permitted on the ...sweatbands and headband and shall be limited to 2 1/4 square inches and shall not exceed 2 1/4 inches in any dimension on each item."

I worked part of a Freshman/JV preseason tournament and we took away numerous rubber bands and LiveStrong bracelets along with multicolored NBA headbands and even some car keys that were on the court.

Problem with gum, I don't want to have to stop the game to perform the Heimlich Manuver. I say that'd fall under the referees responsibility to rule on situations not covered in the rule book.

Pure safety concern.

As for officials, i see nothing wrong with that, just don't get it stuck in the whistle :D It's a pain in the *** to get out ;)

If you were to see this guy chomping away during lulls because of nervousness.........to me it just looks unpro. Plus he has launched the gum onto the floor more than once. Chew away guys. Not trying to say you are doing anything wrong.