Tights for religious reasons

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.

[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.

[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!!!!