I'd say by definition if it goes around the whole head it's a headband and falls under 3-5-3.

I cannot believe the number of questions on this and other sites regarding this rule. Who knew it could be so confusing.

If it's used to hold the hair together in a pony-tail (or pig-tail, or braid) like shape, it's a "hair control device." These are usually something like those 2" cloth-covered rubber bands. No color restrictions on these.

If it holds the hair down to the head (goes around the crown of the head) then it's a "Headband". It might also be a sweatband, pre-wrap, the 8" diameter "nike" bands, a larger rubber band, etc. All of the players on a team who are wearing any such device must be wearing the same color.

I believe the correct terminology is a scrunchie!!!!!!! Thats what hold the pony tail!!!!!

Certainly not the coaches who all look at me with the "dear in the headlihghts look" as if they didn't know.

Concur, this is easy to explain (and I am making a photo copy of you post to give to the coaches). ;)

Flash Your Badge ...
 

Were you carrying this?

http://ac4.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/1fab751b544177b0

Or this?

http://ac4.yt-thm-a04.yimg.com/image/97ddc0224371719a

Also, these don't count as images, they're URL's. I'm still, technically, image free, for about three months.

If they go around the head, then they are restricted by rule, regardless of their function (hair control, sweat collection, attracting a mate, etc.).

"Not That There's Anything Wrong With That" ...
 

Be careful here. We have a few Forum members from the "Land Down Under" who may find this a little confusing, or not.

Headband versus Hair Control Device
 

A headband is anything that goes entirely around the head. A sweatband, prewrap, rubberband, those elastic things. They must be either white, black, tan or the dominant color of the jersey. They also can have only one logo on them. Most that I have seen have Nike or the UA logo on them several times and must be turned inside out or taken off if they want to play. Remember, they don't have to take them off, but they can't wear them while they are playing. The choice is theirs. A hair control device are scrunchies, the elastic bands that only wrap hair into a pony tail or such and there are no restrictions on color or logos other than safety issues.