Would it be illegal for a kid to play with his jersey pulled up and held in his teeth? I saw a kid play this way today and I wasn't shre whether to call it or not. Would it fall under the "ref decides about whatever isn't in the book" clause, or what?

Do you mean he was biting the collar of his jersey? While it maybe an unusual habit, I think you'd be hard pressed to find any type of violation. This is the type of thing that's just better left alone.

I agree that you would be hard pressed to find anything in the rulebook about this. Besides, what's the harm? He certainly isn't gaining any advantage. The only thing I could think of would be if it distorted his number so it would interfere with you reporting a foul.

Hey - maybe he was just trying to cover up a tongue stud.

The hem of the top layer of mesh was held between the teeth. I couldn't see anything wrong with it, and I didn't call anything, but it struck me as so odd. I've seen players do this during a dead ball, but never in play.

If it caused an issue to players safety( which it was hint hint) or if he was wearing the uniform in a manner that wasnt prescribed, Id tell him to fix it or leave. Just like the shirt out, shorts down, compression shorts, etc.
When kids do wierd stuff like that I tell them that Kobe who gets paid millions cant do it why should you? They get the point. I would not let someone do anything that would result in a mockery of the game.

The NBA plays under different rules than youth ball. The pros also wear jewelry. Would you allow that because "Kobe does"? This kid's habit might help him concentrate. When I worked college softball, some batters took their jersey collars between their teeth. I thought is was weird, until I realized it helped them keep their heads down and not jerk on the pitch.

No harm, no foul.

Bob

I dont think I have ever seen any pros where jewelry on the court. When it comes to uniforms (with the exception of rubber bands on the wrist, numbers, and logos) The NBA is more restrictive on the uniform rule than NF will ever dream of being. Like No Tshirts! No compression shorts that show, no jewelry, etc!!I think you missed my point, kids should not be allowed to wear their uniform in a manner that it was intended. For softball since you mentioned it doesnt allow them to wear the cap backwards.....why should a kid wear a jersey real wierd Is he trying to push his limits?

I don't understand?
 

What is the big deal?

Is the kid being a danger to himself or others?

Is the kid making it hard for the officials to do their job?

Is the kid being offensive?

If the answer to all of these is no, then it as nothing to do with the referees. If the ref still belives that it is a problem, then bring it up with the coach and it is up to them to take action if they think it deserves it.

What NBA............
 

game have you ever seen jewelry? You have not seen them wear jewelry in a actual game. They are on a job and that would be a hazard at the work place if they allowed it. This is not Baseball. The only reason they allow jewelry or not allow jewelry is for distraction reasons. But Baseball is not a contact sport like basketball.

Peace

Re: I don't understand?
 

There's no big deal Oz. Juulie had simply never seen this before and was asking for input.

As far as jewelry is concerned, I played a pickup game of basketball at lunch once and forgot to take off my watch. There was blood on three hands. So jewelry is never allowed at any level of basketball for those reasons. As far as the shirt in the mouth goes. I would give the kid a verbal warning and then if he still doesn't take it out of his mouth sit him down like any other violation of the uniform rule.

Why?

Unauthorized eating on the court? :p

I guess, theoretically, you could say he could get his teeth pulled out by doing this, but let's be honest. By pulling and chewing on his/her shirt they just put them selves at a disadvantage. They will spend more time worring about their shirt then their man or the ball.


I say let it go, we have more important things to worry about, like enforcing the coaching box, calling intentional fouls, and palming.

This sounds like a wee bit o' sarcasm!

and


I love it!!!