Glasses

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by jmaellis

I can see a situation in which a kid losing her glasses and another player stepping on the lens(es) and their feet come out from under them. It's not likely, but it's certainly more likely than the same thing happening if a bobby pin fell out of a player's hair. Isn't this why no bobby pins and clips are forbidden?

No, the reasoning when it comes to metal hair clips is that someone's hand is likely to get sliced upon it when swinging to block a shot or grab a rebound.

[jmaellis]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

No, the reasoning when it comes to metal hair clips is that someone's hand is likely to get sliced upon it when swinging to block a shot or grab a rebound.

Likely? I think I have a mental picture of how that could happen, but I don't think I would consider it likely. Although I have very limited experience as a referee, I have considerable experience as a parent in the stands, and I think it is much more likely to have an issue with glasses than a barrette.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by jmaellis

Likely? I think I have a mental picture of how that could happen, but I don't think I would consider it likely. Although I have very limited experience as a referee, I have considerable experience as a parent in the stands, and I think it is much more likely to have an issue with glasses than a barrette.

That is the explanation that I got years ago from a very experienced referee.

Note that the rules are quite specific on what can be put in the hair.
3-5-3 . . . Sweatbands, headwear and head decorations must meet the following guidelines:
a. Headbands and sweatbands must be white or similar in color to the torso of the jersey and must be the same color for each item and all participants. Only one item is permitted on the head and on each wrist. Items must be moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive and unadorned (except for logo, see 3-6).
b. Headbands may be a maximum of 2 inches (except for logo, see 3-6).
c. Sweatbands must be worn below the elbow and may be a maximum of 4 inches (except for logo, see 3-6).
d. Rubber/cloth (elastic) bands may be used to control hair.
e. Head decorations, except those specified above, are prohibited.
(with the religious exceptions)

Basically, when looking at equipment and apparel which is not specifically prohibited by the rules, you should focus on the equipment itself – not how it might be improperly used, or possibly injure someone in the occurrence of some far-fetched situation.

[jmaellis]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

That is the explanation that I got years ago from a very experienced referee.

Note that the rules are quite specific on what can be put in the hair.
3-5-3 . . . Sweatbands, headwear and head decorations must meet the following guidelines:
a. Headbands and sweatbands must be white or similar in color to the torso of the jersey and must be the same color for each item and all participants. Only one item is permitted on the head and on each wrist. Items must be moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive and unadorned (except for logo, see 3-6).
b. Headbands may be a maximum of 2 inches (except for logo, see 3-6).
c. Sweatbands must be worn below the elbow and may be a maximum of 4 inches (except for logo, see 3-6).
d. Rubber/cloth (elastic) bands may be used to control hair.
e. Head decorations, except those specified above, are prohibited.
(with the religious exceptions)

Basically, when looking at equipment and apparel which is not specifically prohibited by the rules, you should focus on the equipment itself – not how it might be improperly used, or possibly injure someone in the occurrence of some far-fetched situation.

That's exactly my point, I probably just didn't express it adequately. The NFHS is very specific regarding what can be worn on the head and arms. Basically it has to be soft and non abrasive (and of a certain color, and logo less, ....). Which is why I have found it so surprising that glasses are not addressed (or maybe they were addressed at one time and it wasn't considered important).

Glasses contributing to an injury to the player wearing them, or to an opponent, or causing a hazardous situation is no more "far - fetched" than a barrette slicing through a hand, and I would dare to say that the glasses are probably more dangerous.

I just find it odd that NFHS is so anal about some things but doesn't seem to have considered other items which pose greater danger.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by jmaellis

Glasses contributing to an injury to the player wearing them, or to an opponent, or causing a hazardous situation is no more "far - fetched" than a barrette slicing through a hand, and I would dare to say that the glasses are probably more dangerous.

The difference is that there are other ways to control one's hair which are simple and pose no danger, while other than contact lenses (which some people cannot wear or cannot afford) or laser surgery, there is no other way to allow this kid to see properly. Having the player see correctly is considered to carry more weight.

The argument has been made that it is inherently more dangerous to have a player running around on the court who can't see properly, than to have a pair of glasses on a player on the court.

[jmaellis]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

.......

The argument has been made that it is inherently more dangerous to have a player running around on the court who can't see properly, than to have a pair of glasses on a player on the court.

Agreed. It would be improper to adopt a rule that prohibited a player from wearing glasses; it's an issue that I can personally appreciate because I couldn't wear contacts.

However, I think that NFHS could, and should, adopt a rule that minimizes the possibility that glasses will come off the face of the player during the game. My personal opinion is that the player should be required to wear rec specs (or similar brand of sport safety glasses); but even if they don't want to go that far, they should at least require a strap or wrap around temples.

[rainmaker]

I worked a MS girls game a few weeks ago, at one point a girl was holding the ball. As she was swinging her arms around trying to keep the ball from getting stolen, she knocked her glasses off. Everyone stopped. She handed theball to the opponent who held it politely until she had bent over, picked them up and put them back on. THen the opponent handed the ball back and play went on!! The clock never stopped. My partner and I were dying of laughter.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by jmaellis

Agreed. It would be improper to adopt a rule that prohibited a player from wearing glasses; it's an issue that I can personally appreciate because I couldn't wear contacts.

However, I think that NFHS could, and should, adopt a rule that minimizes the possibility that glasses will come off the face of the player during the game. My personal opinion is that the player should be required to wear rec specs (or similar brand of sport safety glasses); but even if they don't want to go that far, they should at least require a strap or wrap around temples.

While we seem to agree about the big points, I can tell you that the NFHS has no such rules which require any straps or protectors for glasses. Until they decide to put in such a rule, you are just going to have to allow the players to participate with their glasses and deal with it.

The advice that I was given years ago, I can't recall if it was actually from some written source or just verbal, was to stop the game ASAP when a player's glasses get knocked off and are on the floor so that they don't get stepped on and broken.

[jkjenning]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

No, the reasoning when it comes to metal hair clips is that someone's hand is likely to get sliced upon it when swinging to block a shot or grab a rebound.

projectile which is a hazard to the eyes and slip hazard once they fall to the floor, imo

[Adam]

When I played with glasses, I always wore a strap. My parents figured a $3 strap was far cheaper than buying a new pair of glasses. Had I been concerned about fashion, I wouldn't have been playing ball anyway.

[dave30]

If glasses hit the floor, I blow the whistle immediately. They are too expensive to take chances on getting them broken.