Rules Interpretation Meeting--Bicep Bands

[REFVA]

As promised I asked the question about the Bicep bands,? the answer was not allowed anything above the elbow, no questioned asked. I asked this question of the Virginia High school commissioner.

As for Dwayne Wade tights, Not allowed anything below the knee would not be allowed.

Again this came right out of the Virginia commissioner's mouth..

[JRutledge]

This is the interpretation in writing from the IHSA Rulings listed on each official's personal web page (not available to the public).

2) Are bicep bands legal equipment?

As was discussed at this year’s basketball rules interpretation meetings, wristbands can not be worn above the elbow. Officials should not allow players to wear a wristband above the elbow. Officials should also not allow players to wear bicep bands that are similar in nature to wristbands. ‘Bicep bands’ that are made of the same moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive material as wristbands are not allowed. Only those ‘bicep bands’ that are of a rubbery, ‘neoprene’ material are allowed.

Peace

[Nevadaref]

That is a sensible ruling. Thanks for sharing Rut.

I don't have the same thoughts on this issue, but I'm not in charge.

FWIW, (nearly zilch) I would have ruled that bicep bands are only legal for a medical reason with a written note from the doctor available at the game site.

Otherwise, we have to worry about the same issues with the bicep bands that the NFHS is trying to stamp out with the new regulations on the sweatbands. For example, do bicep bands have any color restrictions?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

FWIW, (nearly zilch) I would have ruled that bicep bands are only legal for a medical reason with a written note from the doctor available at the game site.

We were told that anything with the neoprene material should be considered "medical" and a note was not necessary. Kind of like the Allen Iverson sleeves that were shown in the PowerPoint or the S & I Rulebook.

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Otherwise, we have to worry about the same issues with the bicep bands that the NFHS is trying to stamp out with the new regulations on the sweatbands. For example, do bicep bands have any color restrictions?

We were also told that the bicep bands did not fit the regulations of the sweatbands because they were not sweatbands. So they could be any color.

I wish they had put those two rulings in the interpretations, but they did not. But it was discussed at the IHSA Rules Meetings so many could hear. But I see these as what was said at one meeting might not have been said at another meeting.

Peace

[tjones1]

That's for the post JRut. I didn't know they released a ruling already, so I'm sure not many people are aware. I'll be taking this to our meeting tonight.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by tjones1

That's for the post JRut. I didn't know they released a ruling already, so I'm sure not many people are aware. I'll be taking this to our meeting tonight.

Be sure to point the attendees to the "rulings" page on the IHSA website / official's center.

There are a few more things there than the biceps band, and more is likely to be added later.

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

This is the interpretation in writing from the IHSA Rulings listed on each official's personal web page (not available to the public).

2) Are bicep bands legal equipment?

As was discussed at this year’s basketball rules interpretation meetings, wristbands can not be worn above the elbow. Officials should not allow players to wear a wristband above the elbow. Officials should also not allow players to wear bicep bands that are similar in nature to wristbands. ‘Bicep bands’ that are made of the same moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive material as wristbands are not allowed. Only those ‘bicep bands’ that are of a rubbery, ‘neoprene’ material are allowed.

Peace

As stated before...in WA, if a player wants to wear a bicep band...he/she must tape it.

[Daryl H. Long]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

This is the interpretation in writing from the IHSA Rulings listed on each official's personal web page (not available to the public).

2) Are bicep bands legal equipment?

As was discussed at this year’s basketball rules interpretation meetings, wristbands can not be worn above the elbow. Officials should not allow players to wear a wristband above the elbow. Officials should also not allow players to wear bicep bands that are similar in nature to wristbands. ‘Bicep bands’ that are made of the same moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive material as wristbands are not allowed. Only those ‘bicep bands’ that are of a rubbery, ‘neoprene’ material are allowed.

Peace

So, if NIKE packages a 2" wide band made of moisture absorbing non-abrasive material with Biceps Bands printed plainly on the package you are going to tell the player it's not and NIKE doesn't know what is talking about?

And who said biceps bands could only be made of neoprene?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Daryl H. Long

So, if NIKE packages a 2" wide band made of moisture absorbing non-abrasive material with Biceps Bands printed plainly on the package you are going to tell the player it's not and NIKE doesn't know what is talking about?

And who said biceps bands could only be made of neoprene?

Why are you asking me? I am just passing along the literature that backs up the ruling we were given a month ago. I have no idea why this is even an issue in the first place. I wish the NF never made these things an issue at all. But they did and this was the ruling (why I have no idea either) was made. I am passing along the information because it is possible that other places may have a similar ruling.

Peace

[Daryl H. Long]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Why are you asking me? I am just passing along the literature that backs up the ruling we were given a month ago. I have no idea why this is even an issue in the first place. I wish the NF never made these things an issue at all. But they did and this was the ruling (why I have no idea either) was made. I am passing along the information because it is possible that other places may have a similar ruling.

Peace

Of course my comments were rhetorical and not specifically aimed at you to answer. Only to show the folly of an innapropriate and unnecessary rule.

Ditto on the fact that I wish the NF never made an issue of it. Neither players, coaches, or officials have made an issue of it in the past so I can only conclude it is only an issue because of a personal whim by someone on the rules committee or our esteemed Secretary-Editor. Who knows...maybe it became a rule because UnderArmor (they seem to be the only manufacturer making bicps bands so popular in football) refused to pay NF some sort of "sponser fee" so NF wouldn't make a rule to prohibit them.


PS. If all the states got together and decide to ignore the fashion police then maybe we can get it reversed.