Rules Interpretation Meeting--Bicep Bands

[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.