Bicep Bands Revisited; WA officials
 

The following is a copy of an e-mail, from an Eastern Washington Clinician, that was asked about Bicep Bands legality....

Clinicians met in Renton last week and we discussed this issue. Our take on it is that bicep bands are illegal unless worn for medical purposes. If it is worn for medical purposes then we (WIAA & WOA) say that it can be worn but must have tape around it.

Hope this clarifies it for you.

Steve Ayres, Assigner
Spokane Basketball Officials
Inland Empire Baseball Umpires

Are they sure they are not getting confused with the arm sleeve? What medical purpose would a bicep band be used for?

Peace

Chuck must be busy travelling or something.

This shows that these organizations are out of touch with reality. To wear tape over a bicep band is ridiculous. Do they require that eyeglasses be covered with tape also?

I don't know if they are confused or not...but, tape around an arm sleeve?

It does sound a bit ridiculous. Maybe they realize that the kids are just wearing them to imitate the pros...and if the kids happen to get some Doctor to say it is medical, then they will just have to tape it. The clinicians thinking may be that this will eliminate the "cool" factor and thus, eliminate the bands.

Shutup!

Are you being cantankerous? :D

.................................:D

why the attention on the sweatband worn over the bicep or all these fashion do's and dont's. As long as it doesn't put the players at harm, which I doubt these bands do, why such a big deal?

uniform rules and regulations should not get so much attention IMO. Some officials cannot grasp the difference between Basket Interference and goaltending but they sure can micromanage the uniforms being worn during a contest. I think more attention should be paid and addressed to officiating standards regarding rules and enforcement as well as possibly setting some sort of national ratings guidelines and methods by which associations should operate than worrying if bob is wearing a band over his bicep or not.

peace

They don't make bands big enough for these guns. ;)

While I agree with you, the FED is worried about "individualism" in a team sport. I am sure there are some (potential) gang issues, too.

I understand that we do not want to become known as the "fashion police," but if only 10-20% of officials enforce the rules as written, then it's going to create some confusion on the part of the coaches and players. Just as with many other cases (including the coaching box), if every official would decide to agree with FED rulings (whether we believe them to be inconsequential or not), then by the end of year, nobody would be wearing illegal sweatbands/bicep bands and then we won't have to worry about looking for them everywhere.

As always, JMO

Well deecee...
Let's just pretend you are the President of your Association and some of your members will be asking you these "micromanagement" questions. Will you be prepared to answer them with the FED ruling...or just tell them not to worry about it?

Let's also pretend you will be assigned to a State Tournament this year...do you want to be prepared with these "little" things, or do you think you should just ignore the FED wishes at the Ol' tournament.

I agree with you deecee...these fasion police things are sometimes irritating...but, there are a lot of good officials out there and sometimes knowledge of the "little" things can create some separation...if you know what I mean. ;)