Sleeves on elbows & med alert bracelets

[j2u4now]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The rule says it is to be assumed that the compression sleeves are for medical purposes. I do not know why officials insist on finding out if that is the actual reason. This is not football where we need documentation for certain items. I do not care to know, I just know it is on and move on.

Peace

The referee must rule on the legality of any piece of equipment which is worn to protect an injury. Protective equipment must be individually inspected and approved using the criteria outlined. NFHS Casebook page 22

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by j2u4now

The referee must rule on the legality of any piece of equipment which is worn to protect an injury. Protective equipment must be individually inspected and approved using the criteria outlined. NFHS Casebook page 22

And there is nothing in the rule that says we must ask or we must get verification for such item that it is actually being used for medical purposes. And unlike football, we do not need a note that there is a case or brace is being used. If you want to do that go right ahead, that is not what the rule says. And my state made this very clear to us to just assume compression sleeves were that way and not to go around asking or verifying other than what we see during the warm-up and what we might see as players enter the game.

Peace

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And there is nothing in the rule that says we must ask or we must get verification for such item that it is actually being used for medical purposes.

I thought that in IL we were supposed to ask if it was being worn for medical reasons? (and accept the answer without asking for documentation).

[walter]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I thought that in IL we were supposed to ask if it was being worn for medical reasons? (and accept the answer without asking for documentation).

That is how it is in Delaware. However, at the State Interpretation Meeting, the State reps told the coaches that for any equipment being worn for medical reasons, a letter describing the equipment and the reason for wearing and naming the player who will be wearing the equipment must be submitted for approval to the State. As for the game officials, all we are required to do is verify that the equipment is being worn for medical reasons with the head coach. The same process is in place for religious apparel. It is kind of silly that they are not required to produce the approval letter from the State. However, and even sillier, if the other team questions the legality of the equipment, the head coach can request to see the approval letter prior to allowing the player to participate. Thankfully, I've never encountered that situation!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I thought that in IL we were supposed to ask if it was being worn for medical reasons? (and accept the answer without asking for documentation).

I saw Harry give two rules meetings (I ran the computer both times for him, so I was paying close attention. ) and he said we were suppose to assume that these were used for medical purposes. We do not have to ask or need to ask. Unless something has changed that I am unaware of, that ruling stands when the rule was clarified. But I never ask and honestly do not care. I do not want them to lie to me.

Peace

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by j2u4now

The referee must rule on the legality of any piece of equipment which is worn to protect an injury. Protective equipment must be individually inspected and approved using the criteria outlined. NFHS Casebook page 22

From the other thread to which I previously posted a link:

This was an editorial change…no need for any kind of documentation….from a doctor or otherwise. We can make certain assumptions about what is being worn…knee sleeve, brace, etc. are usually worn for medical purposes. If there is a doubt, all the official has to do is ask the student-athlete, coach, trainer, anyone….”is that being worn for medical purposes?” If the answer is yes, then it’s fine. Vast majority of items will comply. No need to over-think or over-officiate this. If anything was required, medical documentation or a doctor’s note, it would have been stated that way.

Mary Struckhoff
Assistant Director
Basketball & Softball Rules Editor

[muxbule]

So when six kids from the same team come on the court for warm ups wearing compression sleeves our only responsibility is to ask each if it medically necessary or a blanket question to the coach and if the answer is yes we move on.
This is not made up. I actually had this the other night.