This has already been explained in the very first response in this thread. If you see it differently, then enforce it differently. My suggestion, enforce it according to the wishes of those who control your assignments.

The New Gray ???
 

Compression shorts/tights shall be a single solid color similar to the predominant color of the pants/skirt; the length shall be above the knee.
Undergarments shall not extend below the pants/skirt.

I don't think that it's black and white, maybe not even gray.

I'm not 100% certain, but unless the NFHS editor has, once again, screwed up, I don't believe that compression shorts are considered undergarments by the NFHS. The rule makes it sound like, if the uniform shorts were down to midthigh, then the compression shorts could legally go down to the knee.

I think this is being over analyzed. Compression shorts ARE undergarments.

Because I'm Your Mother And Because I Said So ???
 

If so, then why can they legally extend below the shorts (pants), as long as they're above the knee, while undergarments cannot legally extend below the shorts (pants).

Always listen to bob.

Because they're undergarments.

Compression shorts are no more undergarments than compression arm sleeves are undershirts. There are different restrictions for compression shorts verses undergarments and different restrictions for compression sleeves verses undershirts.

I think that the confusion occurs because "compression" and "undergarments" are stated in the same rule.

Riddle Me This ...
 

... Then why can they legally extend below the shorts (pants), as long as they're above the knee?

Aren't Editors Supposed To Edit ???
 

No. It's confusing because the NFHS rules editor doesn't edit.

BillyMac,

And, then there is that, too.

Two different sentences and two different topics. It doesn't say that compression shorts are undergarments nor does it say that compression shorts cannot extend below the pants/skirt. There are not a lot requirements on uniform shorts but your "panties" should not be seen. However, your compression shorts can be seen, but we don't want them to extend below the knees.

That second sentence in your rule posted above should be placed somewhere else in the rulebook.

I have always thought of compression shorts as undergarments...

But, I see what some of the guys are talking about, with the TWO seperate sentences in the rule.

With player's shorts so long these days...(many times the shorts are below the knees)

Maybe the rule means compression shorts have to be above the knee AND compression shorts (undergarments) cannot extend below the shorts.?????

This is my understanding. Frankly, they're undergarments until someone in authority (either local, IAABO, state, or NFHS) tells me otherwise. They're typically worn as undergarments, and overthinking the sentence structure from the NFHS is never wise, IMO. They're never that precise.

Frankly, I've never had an issue in an actual game with this.

If anybody is overthinking something here, it would be those who use undergarment and compression shorts interchangably.

That's always possible. I've been known to do that now and then.