NFHS Rules Question

[Rich]

I have to admit -- as soon as someone said "religious grounds" I probably would've let her play with the blue long sleeves. I'm not really willing to be "that guy" over something like this.

And yes, if she wore tights for the same reason, I'd have the same answer. Even at the varsity level (where I spend all my time).

[APG]

Originally Posted by Rich

I have to admit -- as soon as someone said "religious grounds" I probably would've let her play with the blue long sleeves. I'm not really willing to be "that guy" over something like this.

And yes, if she wore tights for the same reason, I'd have the same answer. Even at the varsity level (where I spend all my time).

Same here

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Rich

I have to admit -- as soon as someone said "religious grounds" I probably would've let her play with the blue long sleeves. I'm not really willing to be "that guy" over something like this.

And yes, if she wore tights for the same reason, I'd have the same answer. Even at the varsity level (where I spend all my time).

Not here. Such religious apparel, that which is normally not allowed by rule, requires a permission letter from the state office to be available at the game and presented to the referee.

[MD Longhorn]

The problem with allowing stuff like this without authorization is that you make if more difficult for the next guy. The rule is the rule. The school knows the rule - if they have a reason to make an exception, they KNEW IN ADVANCE that they needed it. It's not like the player suddenly showed up on game day in non-standard clothes... I'm sure they'd been aware long before that.

The problem with deciding, on your own, that "religious expression" is allowed on one night is that you may be faced with a different religious expression that you don't allow - and then you have a mess.

What if, instead of long sleeves or tight/socks, some guy showed up to a game with a huge 666 on his body, and proclaimed it was required by his religion - Satanism - that he wear it.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Not here. Such religious apparel, that which is normally not allowed by rule, requires a permission letter from the state office to be available at the game and presented to the referee.

We're not quite that organized. I'm pretty much left to make the call at the time it happens, on site. Two places I don't want to fight alone -- religious expression and reasonable accommodation / ADA issues.