Tights for religious reasons

[bob jenkins]

I'm away from my books, boesn't the case play specifically state something like: "A1 cannot wear shorts for religious reasons. May she wear tights? Ruling: No. Tights under the shorts are specifically prohibited. She can wear long pants, though."

So, I'm a little confused by those who would allow it and then write the state.

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I'm away from my books, boesn't the case play specifically state something like: "A1 cannot wear shorts for religious reasons. May she wear tights? Ruling: No. Tights under the shorts are specifically prohibited. She can wear long pants, though."

So, I'm a little confused by those who would allow it and then write the state.

You're correct...

NFHS Case Book 3.5.7

A player, for religious reasons, may not wear shorts. Would he/she be able to wear tights under the basketball uniform shorts, warm-ups or a skirt instead of shorts?

RULING: NFHS basketball uniform rules do not require that the uniform pants be "shorts." However, undergarments or tights may not be worn which extend below the pants, therefore wearing tights "below the uniform shorts" would be illegal. The player could wear long pants or a skirt as the uniform "bottom" and be in compliance. (Rule 3, Section 4)

I'm basing my decision on things that have cropped up in the past the few times I've worked in NJ. There are some things the state has strayed from when it comes to religion. For NYC/NYS GV I don't have to worry about it because they use NCAAW rules.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

So, I'm a little confused by those who would allow it and then write the state.

Not everyone is as strict as you are. Here are some reasons one might allow this:

1) high schools sports are focused on participation
2) the tights are not a safety issue
3) the tights are not flashy or showing off
4) "religious reasons" can be scary to some officials

Bonus story: I was the middle for a high school soccer game a couple months ago. I spotted a girl with tape over her ears about 5 minutes into the match. I asked her what was under the tape and she replied earrings. I properly went and yellow-carded the head coach. The head coach said "the earrings are permanent and for religious reasons. I decided to let the girl play. I was really torn about my decision for a couple months until I ran into a really really good ref. I asked him about the situation and he said he had also worked at that school this year and had the same situation. He also allowed the girl to play. Incorrect by rule, yes, but I'm not losing sleep about these situations any more.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Not everyone is as strict as you are. Here are some reasons one might allow this:

1) high schools sports are focused on participation
2) the tights are not a safety issue
3) the tights are not flashy or showing off
4) "religious reasons" can be scary to some officials

Bonus story: I was the middle for a high school soccer game a couple months ago. I spotted a girl with tape over her ears about 5 minutes into the match. I asked her what was under the tape and she replied earrings. I properly went and yellow-carded the head coach. The head coach said "the earrings are permanent and for religious reasons. I decided to let the girl play. I was really torn about my decision for a couple months until I ran into a really really good ref. I asked him about the situation and he said he had also worked at that school this year and had the same situation. He also allowed the girl to play. Incorrect by rule, yes, but I'm not losing sleep about these situations any more.

The case play couldn't be more clear. I'm not sure, absent state instruction otherwise, why an official wouldn't just point at the case play and tell the player/coach to call the state office.

I wouldn't allow the tights, either.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Not everyone is as strict as you are. Here are some reasons one might allow this:

1) high schools sports are focused on participation
2) the tights are not a safety issue
3) the tights are not flashy or showing off
4) "religious reasons" can be scary to some officials

If you want to argue what the rule *should be*, then I'm inclined to agree with you. But, the rule is clear and here, at least, it's way above the pay grade of an official to set aside a rule such as this.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by AremRed

... tights are not a safety issue ... earrings ... decided to let the girl play.

Tights may not be a safety issue, but earrings are. No earrings in my basketball games. Never. Ever.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

No earrings in my basketball games.

Totally agree.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Not everyone is as strict as you are.

It doesn't have anything to do with being strict. The rules are clear. No tights.

BTW, Bob is a really really good ref.


Now, personally, I think this rule needs to go away. As long as basketball shorts are these days, lycra shorts don't extend beyond the shorts. With the leg sleeves kids are wearing these days, it's very difficult to know whether they have on sleeves or tights. All you can do is ask.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

It doesn't have anything to do with being strict. The rules are clear. No tights.

BTW, Bob is a really really good ref.


Now, personally, I think this rule needs to go away. As long as basketball shorts are these days, lycra shorts don't extend beyond the shorts. With the leg sleeves kids are wearing these days, it's very difficult to know whether they have on sleeves or tights. All you can do is ask.

It's actually pretty easy, tights are Lycra, and sleeves are mostly made of neoprene.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by OKREF

It's actually pretty easy, tights are Lycra, and sleeves are mostly made of neoprene.

Most sleeves I've seen don't look like neoprene at all. They look like Lycra/Spandex. Unless I see the end of them, I can't tell them apart without asking.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Most sleeves I've seen don't look like neoprene at all. They look like Lycra/Spandex. Unless I see the end of them, I can't tell them apart without asking.

Fair enough, I seem to be able to tell the difference as soon as I see them.

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

It doesn't have anything to do with being strict. The rules are clear. No tights.

BTW, Bob is a really really good ref.

I used the word "strict" in the same sense as you used the word "clear". Following the rules "strictly" simply means following the letter of the law exactly. I'm not saying that's a bad thing.

I believe you, I just listed some reasons a less-good ref might ignore the tights rule.

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Not everyone is as strict as you are. Here are some reasons one might allow this:

1) high schools sports are focused on participation
2) the tights are not a safety issue
3) the tights are not flashy or showing off
4) "religious reasons" can be scary to some officials

Bonus story: I was the middle for a high school soccer game a couple months ago. I spotted a girl with tape over her ears about 5 minutes into the match. I asked her what was under the tape and she replied earrings. I properly went and yellow-carded the head coach. The head coach said "the earrings are permanent and for religious reasons. I decided to let the girl play. I was really torn about my decision for a couple months until I ran into a really really good ref. I asked him about the situation and he said he had also worked at that school this year and had the same situation. He also allowed the girl to play. Incorrect by rule, yes, but I'm not losing sleep about these situations any more.

AremRed,
For what it is worth, I don't care WHY a soccer (or basketball) player is wearing ear rings. From a safety standpoint, those ear rings are dangerous to the player or they are dangerous to an opponent. An individual may have religious beliefs and I respect that. At the same time, if that ritual is dangerous, they cannot play. Sorry, my FIRST job is safety of the players. I don't lose sleep over these decisions, either.

Just my $.02.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

AremRed,
For what it is worth, I don't care WHY a soccer (or basketball) player is wearing ear rings. From a safety standpoint, those ear rings are dangerous to the player or they are dangerous to an opponent. An individual may have religious beliefs and I respect that. At the same time, if that ritual is dangerous, they cannot play. Sorry, my FIRST job is safety of the players. I don't lose sleep over these decisions, either.

Just my $.02.

I concur.

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

I concur.

He's back!!!!