What were they thinking? Oh wait - they weren't.

[ref2coach]

Worked an early morning 3 game set of recG. 2nd game, teams take court to warm-up. 9 players, 6 with tape on their ears. Yep it's 6 sets of stud ear rings. Inform coach of no jewelry rule. I am told that they have played with tape for the last 7 weeks. I tell him not today. He appeals to the gym supervisor. She backs the written rule. 6 players run to their Mothers and now 3 of 6 Moms come to inform me that they are "new" and can't be taken out or 60 days. One informs me "they were just put in this morning". To bad so sad, choose studs or playing time. I am informed that I am "heartless", "mean" and "on a power trip", by a different type of "hot moms". End up with one crying girl on the bench with studs still in. By the start of the second quarter one of her friends had removed the studs for her, tears dried, she subs in. I am amazed that there are that many officials willing to risk setting aside a clearly stated player safety rule.

[grunewar]

I had a G player show up a few years back and begin her warm-ups with newly braided hair with beads in it. When I informed her she couldn't play with them in, I was met by a not so happy mom and coach. You know how long it takes to braid hair and how much it can cost?

Obviously, the young lady was committed, as her mom removed her beads. I was impressed! Good player too.