Questions on hair control devices

[Nevadaref]

Regarding color of hairbands:

2006-07 NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations

SITUATION 8: Three team members from Team A have multi-colored, narrow elastic bands (not moisture-absorbing headbands) around their heads for hair-control purposes. RULING: Legal. There are no color or size restrictions for elastic hair-control bands. (3-5-3d)


Regarding prewrap:
I cannot recall anything from the NFHS specifically addressing the use of prewrap to control hair in basketball. NFHS soccer rules state that it is allowed as long as it is NOT tied in a knot. For basketball, one must consider 3-5-3e. That rule may forbid prewrap.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Regarding prewrap:
I cannot recall anything from the NFHS specifically addressing the use of prewrap to control hair in basketball. NFHS soccer rules state that it is allowed as long as it is NOT tied in a knot. For basketball, one must consider 3-5-3e. That rule may forbid prewrap.

I'd say, technically by 3-5-3e, it probably is prohibited. That said, unless it's a LOT of prewrap, and since it is "elasticky" and could be fashioned into a "band" and doesn't seem to present a safety hazard, I'm most likely not fighting that fight.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

I'd say, technically by 3-5-3e, it probably is prohibited. That said, unless it's a LOT of prewrap, and since it is "elasticky" and could be fashioned into a "band" and doesn't seem to present a safety hazard, I'm most likely not fighting that fight.

We've been told around there that it's legal. SOmetimes it's hard to tell whether it's prewrap or an elastic band. I think we've just figured that if you really can't tell, then it's probably not important. Alhtouhg, I've seen a lot more prewrap on the floor than elastic bands. That presents a safety hazard I suppose.

[HoopsRefJunior]

Wouldn't the use of prewrap for a hair control device be the utilization of equipment in a manner other than its intended purpose?

If so, that would make it illegal.

NEW QUESTIONS....
Have you seen the new hair control (elastic) devices with logo/writing all the way around it? I know NF does not limit color, etc. on hair control devices, but this seems to violate the spirit of our decorum rules. In a scrimmage last night, I asked the girls in question to flip these hair control devices over to a solid white side. (players and coaches complied without question) Did I overstep?

I took a similar stance on wrists wrapped with athletic tape. Several girls on one team had their wrists wrapped with athletic tape and had written initials and/or numbers on the tape. I asked them if the tape was needed. When the response was yes, I asked them to cover the writing with another strip of tape or remove it. (again, players and coaches complied without question -- two of four removed it all together.)

I've seen writing on shoes also (although I've never seen it so blatantly displayed that I considered it a problem). Where do we draw the line?

These players keep coming up with more and more issues. I feel like I'm policing fashion as much as the game!

[Nevadaref]

You draw the line based upon what the writing says. NFHS soccer has a play ruling that says that kids cannot participate with objectionable markings on their faces or arms. The markings must be covered or removed before they may play. There is no reason why this NFHS principle shouldn't apply across the board for all sports.

[HoopsRefJunior]

Nevada,

I agree and as you can see from my post above, I think that is what I've done. I know there will be those on this site who disagree.

I coached at the high school level for 18 years before crossing over to the "stripes side", so my real question is: "What are these coaches thinking when they allow these types of displays?"

[Nevadaref]

I really can't tell you whether I agree or disagree with what you did because you haven't stated what was written on the elastic headband. I can only tell you that I have no problem with kids putting initials or numbers on tape or their shoes, if that is all that was there. As long as it is nothing unsporting, I don't see a reason to ban it.

[refnrev]

[QUOTE=HoopsRefJunior]Wouldn't the use of prewrap for a hair control device be the utilization of equipment in a manner other than its intended purpose?

If so, that would make it illegal.

______________________________

Hoops, Don't go there with pre-wrap. Let them wear it. There are too many more important things in a game to worry about than that.

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by HoopsRefJunior

Wouldn't the use of prewrap for a hair control device be the utilization of equipment in a manner other than its intended purpose?

If so, that would make it illegal.

--Unless your state association deems it legal - and I'd bet a game check or two that you wouldn't be able to find one that says it isn't.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by HoopsRefJunior

NEW QUESTIONS....
Have you seen the new hair control (elastic) devices with logo/writing all the way around it? I know NF does not limit color, etc. on hair control devices, but this seems to violate the spirit of our decorum rules. In a scrimmage last night, I asked the girls in question to flip these hair control devices over to a solid white side. (players and coaches complied without question) Did I overstep?

I took a similar stance on wrists wrapped with athletic tape. Several girls on one team had their wrists wrapped with athletic tape and had written initials and/or numbers on the tape. I asked them if the tape was needed. When the response was yes, I asked them to cover the writing with another strip of tape or remove it. (again, players and coaches complied without question -- two of four removed it all together.)

I've seen writing on shoes also (although I've never seen it so blatantly displayed that I considered it a problem). Where do we draw the line?

These players keep coming up with more and more issues. I feel like I'm policing fashion as much as the game!

Yes, you overstepped.

Originally Posted by Airborne!

In our state (Georgia) we've been told that the elastic hair control devices no matter what is written on it, will be treated as a headband...logo, color, etc. In my interpretation of the rule (3-5-3d), these are not moisture wicking devices, but are allowed according to the wording of the rule. That said, it doesn't matter how we interpret the rule, but the state high school athletic association has now dictated we treat these devices the same as headbands and we are to enforce this interpretation.

That's strange considering the NFHS has stated the exact opposite.

[SmokeEater]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Regarding color of hairbands:

2006-07 NFHS Basketball Rules Interpretations

SITUATION 8: Three team members from Team A have multi-colored, narrow elastic bands (not moisture-absorbing headbands) around their heads for hair-control purposes. RULING: Legal. There are no color or size restrictions for elastic hair-control bands. (3-5-3d)


Regarding prewrap:
I cannot recall anything from the NFHS specifically addressing the use of prewrap to control hair in basketball. NFHS soccer rules state that it is allowed as long as it is NOT tied in a knot. For basketball, one must consider 3-5-3e. That rule may forbid prewrap.

Iirc, Was this not discussed last year after the new head band and arm band rules came out. I thought a clarification was posted that said the prewrap was allowed.
Hair Control Devices and Headbands

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

Iirc, Was this not discussed last year after the new head band and arm band rules came out. I thought a clarification was posted that said the prewrap was allowed.
Hair Control Devices and Headbands

Good catch and memory, Smokie. I see that I was wrong about the logos too. No restrictions.

[Nevadaref]

Nice work, Smoke. I knew that the NFHS had issued a clarification on the elastic bands, but I couldn't recall if it included prewrap and ribbons. I must be getting old.

Glad to be reminded that both are legal and that I don't have to deal with them.