Protective Gear Really Needed?

[JRutledge]

I didn't listen to Karl Malone 20 years ago when the issue was HIV in the NBA, I am not listening to him now.

Peace

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I didn't listen to Karl Malone 20 years ago when the issue was HIV in the NBA, I am not listening to him now.

Peace

Given that this extra stuff players are wearing (legheadcompressionwristarmsleeveband) represents nothing more than an expression of individuality with scant evidence that it is either needed ("That is for a medical reason, isn't it?" validation nothwithstanding...) or improves personal performance to any measurable extent, I'm likin' what Karl Malone is saying here. His quote deserves recognition in the anti-fashion police hall of fame. Wish NFHS would just get it over with and ban all that stuff.
But that's just me.
Will never happen, though.

[APG]

Or the NFHS could just get over it and not delegate officials to be the fashion police besides the bare minimum (jerseys with same color and with numbers on them, and shorts/pants) and only concern us with things that affect safety.

[potato]

I think those knee pads with paddings, or inner shirt with paddings, or crotch protector can actually help reduce the impact, pain & injury during collision.

Even a normal elbow pad would help when the player's falling flat.

Originally Posted by APG

Or the NFHS could just get over it and not delegate officials to be the fashion police besides the bare minimum (jerseys with same color and with numbers on them, and shorts/pants) and only concern us with things that affect safety.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by potato

I think those knee pads with paddings, or inner shirt with paddings, or crotch protector can actually help reduce the impact, pain & injury during collision.

Even a normal elbow pad would help when the player's falling flat.

Or it allows them to be more physical with less concern about getting hurt in the process. Take the pads off both players and you just might see them both back the physicality down a notch.

[BillyMac]

Regarding elbow, and knee, pads. Is there a difference, in terms of NFHS rules, between a compression sleeve (arm, or leg) with a pad, and one without a pad, in terms of medical need, color, etc. I'll be taking the Fashion Police detective's exam in a few weeks and need to get this straight.

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Regarding elbow, and knee, pads. Is there a difference, in terms of NFHS rules, between a compression sleeve (arm, or leg) with a pad, and one without a pad, in terms of medical need, color, etc. I'll be taking the Fashion Police detective's exam in a few weeks and need to get this straight.

That’s a good question. On the NCAAW side of things I’m going to ask my FNI (Friendly Neighborhood Interpreter). He’ll know or at least he should be able to find out since he’s going to be the Secretary-Rules Editor as of next September.

As for NFHS, I think an e-mail to my local interpreter is in order as well.

[potato]

and people were saying NBA is getting less & less physical.

but you'd never know when a collision may take place, intentionally or non-intentionally and it might just cause a career breaking injury.

it's like bikers wearing exoskeleton suits vs those that only wear helmets, it's their choice since it's an safety issue. as long as they don't wear spiked elbow pads i don't see a problem since the pads protects both players in contact by absorbing the force.

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Or it allows them to be more physical with less concern about getting hurt in the process. Take the pads off both players and you just might see them both back the physicality down a notch.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by potato

...i don't see a problem since the pads protects both players in contact by absorbing the force.

Pads allow both player to go at each other harder without being as worried about injuring themselves.

Imagine how football would change if players were not allowed to wear pads or helmets. You'd probably see fewer major injuries as players wouldn't hit with such recklessness.

[RonA]

I agree completely. Being a fashion cop in a basketball game has so little to do with the game itself, except for the fact that it is part of the uniform, and by definition of the word "uniform", it means remaining the same in all cases and at all times., hence the name uniform, etc...

Long story longer, I see Federation's point, and while I don't agree with it, as an official, I have to and will enforce it as necessary.