can play with stitches?
 

High school rules, new york state, varsity mens.
Can a player play a game with stitches in his lip?
Cut is 4 days old, 3 stitches.

The NFHS rules have nothing preventing someone from playing with stitches. I would seriously doubt that New York has anything either. Someone from NY will come along shortly and tell us for sure about that area.

Yes, he can.

Although by rule he may play, I would question the wisdom of allowing this person to play especially in a sensitive area like the lips.

Let the injury heal- Is there a liability issue if the kid reinjures it? Only a qualified attorney in our jurisdiction can tell you that one.... but if it were me I think the kid would sit a couple more days...

I asked my uncle on this, and while he isn't a sports law specialist or anything, he didn't think there would be anymore liability than if a kid with an approved knee brace was playing and hurt his previously torn ACL. Essentially he equated the knee brace to the stitches, and while I'm sure someone will come along and say that is apples to oranges (being in the medical field I agree to an extent that they are different), but in a legal sense my uncle said they could both be described as medical devices used to aid in the healing of an injury.

He did ultimately decide that a better analogy would be playing with a band-aid. How many would keep a kid with a band-aid over a cut from playing so long as blood wasn't oozing from under it?

As was already said, the rules don't prohibit it, and I'm too worried about it from a medical standpoint (the kid isn't going to die if he re-opens the injury), and now I have a semi-legal backing. I say let he kid play.

Great feedback.
The player is my son and his game is tonight.
The emergency room doctor said 4 days, no contact. Today is 4 days.
His primary care physician said it looks good but no contact till the stitches are out (2 more days).
I've explained to him the risks and consequences of a re-injury. To quote boomersooner "the kid isn't going to die if he re-opens the injury". Although it will be ugly. :cool:
He has a passion for the game like few others and has earned a starting point guard position in his sophomore year. I'm hoping for the best but the decision is his. He never doubted where he's going to be tonight.

happy holidays and joy to all
thanks

Your kid, your choice. No rules keep him from playing.

Except the rule of common sense. The primary physician says no, so the father falls back on the opinion of the ER doc?

Coach, this is your son. It's just a game, dude. Let him sit one out. Unless you think it's a good idea to look like a palooka.

Coach, I came at this from an officials standpoint. As a father, had you said should I let my kid play and given the info, I would say no way. I don't want my kid dealing with possible scars or being the thrifty person that I am, more medical bills. As an official I'm not too worried about those consequences, but as a dad you better believe I am.

I'll help ya out Coach...I say let the kid play.(If he really wants to) What, are ya raising sissy's here?;)

Of course, my teenage boys race Motocross...so I might not be a very good source of "what a prudent parent" would allow their children to do.

Great analogy. One of his good friends races and is trying hard (and borderline) to go pro. We've been to some of the races. It's all out or your not in the race.
Well the game is over and he has to deal with some good news and some bad. He had one of his better games and ended with high scorer for both teams with 17 (5 3's and 2-6 from the foul line). The bad news is they lost the game. Played an awesome defense, and never took a hit on the lip. Amen to that.
Thing is, he never would have regretted playing. Hit or no hit.
Playing basketball, riding moto-x or using power tools. There are risks and consequences. Understand the risks, respect your opponent (and officials ;) ), except the consequences but never let it get in the way of your passions and goals.

Some people love the game ... I love this forum.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Peace and Joy (at least) for the holidays :)