Elbow Pad

[representing]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

So, which rule says a doctor's note is required for a compression sleeve?

the part that says "must be worn for medical purposes". Players must prove that they are worn for medical purposes and not as an adornment, thus a medical note must be in accompany with this situation.

Now that you said that though, it is possible each state association have their own method for proving it is worn for medical reasons. I know at least in PIAA we have to see a doctor's note of some sort that says items such as compression sleeves must be worn for medical purposes. Not sure how it is if it is different in other state's association or if this was something that the NFHS said.

[Adam]

Some states want you to ask, some states want you to assume, some states want you to see a note. Here, we just ask. "Is that for a medical reason?" An affirmative answer is all I need, no Dr. note required. We were told the same thing when it came to religious attire. Leave it alone and contact the state office.

As long as it's not a safety issue, of course.

[representing]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Some states want you to ask, some states want you to assume, some states want you to see a note. Here, we just ask. "Is that for a medical reason?" An affirmative answer is all I need, no Dr. note required. We were told the same thing when it came to religious attire. Leave it alone and contact the state office.

As long as it's not a safety issue, of course.

In PIAA I know we were told you must ask to see the doctor's note, but if the coach says something like "we filed it with the state and our AD has it in his office" then I can say "ok coach, I'll take your word for it" and then just bring it up with the chapter to call the state and verify. At that point, it's out of our hands and PIAA will do what it wants to do if it turns out the coach was lying.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Here, we just ask. "Is that for a medical reason?" An affirmative answer is all I need, no Dr. note required.

This is how we've been instructed too.

Had a BJV on Tues night, third time I've asked the same player in the last few weeks/months about his sleeve. He always takes it off. Ya think by now he'd learn the right answer to continue to wear it....... but, on the bright side, at least he's honest.

[RookieDude]

...what about long sleeve shirts?

Had a boys V game with a player wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under his uniform. The under shirt was the same color as jersey...just long sleeved.

We allowed it.

I seem to remember this discussion before...even long pants would be OK if I remember correctly....as would a skirt be OK.

[representing]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

...what about long sleeve shirts?

Had a boys V game with a player wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under his uniform. The under shirt was the same color as jersey...just long sleeved.

We allowed it.

I seem to remember this discussion before...even long pants would be OK if I remember correctly....as would a skirt be OK.

Rule 4.1.5 says:

Undershirts shall be a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey and shall be hemmed and not have frayed or ragged edges. If the undershirt has sleeves, they shall be the same length. A visible manufacturer's logo/trademark/reference is not permitted on the undershirt.

It does not say anything about restricted length of sleeves, so yes, it is legal.

As for pants, they are legal as well. Players are allowed to wear shorts, skirts or pants.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by representing

the part that says "must be worn for medical purposes". Players must prove that they are worn for medical purposes and not as an adornment, thus a medical note must be in accompany with this situation.

If a trainer gives them something to put on their arm, that does not count?

You will not find any part of this rule that says a note is required by a doctor. The only part in basketball rules that require a doctor's note is the one you need if a player is unconscious. If a player is not unconscious, there is no note needed. That has absolutely nothing to do with this issue and what is worn on the arm. In football we need a note to verify that a players is allowed to wear a cast, but that rule requires specific specifications and says what kind of doctor (MD/DO is needed) can and cannot provide that information. So in other words a "trainer" on their own cannot write and note and say a player is cleared to play.

You are reading too much into the rule and what is required.

Peace

[representing]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If a trainer gives them something to put on their arm, that does not count?

You will not find any part of this rule that says a note is required by a doctor. The only part in basketball rules that require a doctor's note is the one you need if a player is unconscious. If a player is not unconscious, there is no note needed. That has absolutely nothing to do with this issue and what is worn on the arm. In football we need a note to verify that a players is allowed to wear a cast, but that rule requires specific specifications and says what kind of doctor (MD/DO is needed) can and cannot provide that information. So in other words a "trainer" on their own cannot write and note and say a player is cleared to play.

You are reading too much into the rule and what is required.

Peace

one other time that it is listed in the book that you need a physician's note is under Rule 3.4.3 EXCEPTION:

State associations may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria:
a. for medical or cosmetic reasons - In the event a participant is required by a licensed medical physician to cover his/her head with a covering or wrap, the physician's statement is required before the state association can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play.
b. OMITTED

My sister had to wear a face mask her junior year after breaking her nose in two different places. She had to get the face mask approved with the state before wearing it.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by representing

One other time that it is listed in the book that you need a physician's note is under Rule 3.4.3 EXCEPTION.

Who's you? By NFHS rule, the state association needs the doctor's note, not the official. And nowhere does the NFHS say that the note must be kept by the player, coach, or trainer, although, if I were coaching again, as a precaution, I would have a copy available in my first aid kit for officials that didn't understand the NFHS rule and wanted to see such a note.

[JPaco54]

My son wears one every game for Varsity Games at the High School level and so did his older brother. We have a family traditioin of bone chips in the elbow area. It is black compression material with a soft pad. Both of them have never been questioned about it other than an official will come over and ask if they can feel the pad to make sure it is soft. They have played games in IL, TN, KT, MS, AR, AL and never had a problem with HS varsity officials.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by representing

the part that says "must be worn for medical purposes". Players must prove that they are worn for medical purposes and not as an adornment, thus a medical note must be in accompany with this situation.

Now that you said that though, it is possible each state association have their own method for proving it is worn for medical reasons. I know at least in PIAA we have to see a doctor's note of some sort that says items such as compression sleeves must be worn for medical purposes. Not sure how it is if it is different in other state's association or if this was something that the NFHS said.

Actually, the NFHS has said the opposite from what you have written. You are new here, but if you would have done a search of our previous threads, you would have seen that I posted the NFHS answer to what "worn for medical purposes" means over two years ago.

NEW 3-5-2d

From the other thread with above 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