This is another one of those changes made, which was not put in the book. I don't know why. However, they are legal as long as the ribbon is used to tie the hair and not just for decoration.

Bart, I've read the NCAA rules changes, but don't remember seeing that one, even on posted summaries. Can you tell me where you got that info? Also, I assume you're talking college only, right? And how does one determine if the ribbon is for controlling the hair vs. decoration. If it's really for controlling hair, an elastic can do the job just as easily as tying something around the hair. A ribbon seems unnecessary and, thus, "really" for a little decoration. Would the ribbon have to be tied in a knot only, WITHOUT a loop? The loop, it seems to me, is where a potential (if not very remote) safety issues exists.

I remember riding with a partner last year and talking about the ribbon. She told me about the change and i believe she showed me the memo. However, i did comfirm this with Barbara Jacobs. In my opinion if it is used to tie hair BACK i'm not going to split hairs and tell her to take it out. Now if her hair is tied back and she has a nice pretty ribbon on top and serves no function, then i may ask her about it. I will also allow a bow.

I require it, actually
 

Not only do I "allow" a bow, I REQUIRE each player and coach to bow to me prior to tipoff. :)