Knee pads, braces, etc.

[letemplay]

So the "sleeve with a pad" or "pad in a sleeve" question is left up to each state for determining legality? Do any of you Virginia guys know if VHSL has prohibited them?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by letemplay

So the "sleeve with a pad" or "pad in a sleeve" question is left up to each state for determining legality? Do any of you Virginia guys know if VHSL as prohibited them?

I don't think any place prohibits them.

It's just whether they are knee pads (no restrictions) or leg sleeves (color / match restrictions)

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by letemplay

So the "sleeve with a pad" or "pad in a sleeve" question is left up to each state for determining legality? Do any of you Virginia guys know if VHSL as prohibited them?

I see them every game. We only make sure all members are wearing the same color.

[letemplay]

So as far as you know VHSL has ruled this equipment as a sleeve? I would think no individual officials association within the state could make and enforce a separate interp, would you?

[Terrapins Fan]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I see them every game. We only make sure all members are wearing the same color.

Sleeves are different than pads. That's a fact. Pads can be ANY color.

Sleeves must be the same for every team mate.

If you follow the RULE, you will be correct.

[PG_Ref]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Sleeves are different than pads. That's a fact. Pads can be ANY color.

Sleeves must be the same for every team mate.

If you follow the RULE, you will be correct.

You are correct. The issue is that these are a hybrid/combo sleeve/pad. There is no clear cut NFHS rule that governs these hybrids.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Sleeves are different than pads. That's a fact. Pads can be ANY color.

Sleeves must be the same for every team mate.

If you follow the RULE, you will be correct.

I don't believe there is an issue with pads OR sleeves. I believe the guidance has been pointed out.

As I see it, the issue seems to be differntiating with what appear to be sleeves with the built in knee pads (or knee pads with extended material that goes further up and down the leg) - are they categorized as sleeves (restrictions) OR knee pads (not so much)?

[letemplay]

Sounds like there are still different rulings gym to gym. Like someone else said, if NFHS had just categorized these pads/sleeves (since they seem to be all the rage) one way or the other and be done with it, that would make everyone's life a bit easier.

[JRutledge]

I believe they are sold as sleeves. And they are worn as sleeves most of the time that I have witnessed. It seems like the pad is not for the knee but for the shin if you look how they are worn.

I just feel the NF needed to stay out of this stuff and let kids where what they want on their legs like they do with socks. If a coach has an issue, then so be it, but do not legislate color into this issue.

Peace

[Terrapins Fan]

If it has a PAD, it IS a PAD. Knee or Elbow.

No PAD, it is a SLEEVE.

No question.

[letemplay]

Well for me it is a question as we've got some officials allowing them and some not, even though there is nothing in the rules to support prohibition. I like your reasoning: a pad is a pad...no pad it must be just a sleeve, but the only place sleeves are mentioned (3-5-3) refers to ARM sleeves. Knee PADS seem to be addressed as a "brace or guard", so to me it would seem these are legal items, and I would agree a uniform color is certainly appropriate, but apparently not required.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

If it has a PAD, it IS a PAD. Knee or Elbow.

No PAD, it is a SLEEVE.

No question.

That's your interpretation. It has zero basis in the rule book. Knee and elbow pads aren't even mentioned in the rule book or case book.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

If it has a PAD, it IS a PAD. Knee or Elbow.

No PAD, it is a SLEEVE.

No question.

Pads are just pads, with only enough material to hold the pad / wrap around the knee.

Any additional material makes it a sleeve.

(Both are equally correct -- these are not "just" pads and not "just" sleeves -- they are sleeves with pads. And that's why your state needs to decide. Ours has decided on the second interp)

[frezer11]

If there is any doubt on the issue on these hybrid sleeves, we are trying to err on the side of safety for the kid. Granted, it's not a critical safety measure, but I'm sure you've all seen the scrappy kid who actually is on the floor quite a bit. If its neoprene matererial or something similar that has a padded knee, we're ok with that here, with the reasoning being (that we've been told anyways) that the intent is protection not looks. Obviously with the shooter sleeve or the calf-only leg sleeve, that is not the case.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Sleeves are different than pads. That's a fact. Pads can be ANY color.

Sleeves must be the same for every team mate.

If you follow the RULE, you will be correct.

Why are you telling me pads can be any color? I never said the couldn't. My respsonse was about sleeves: "That 18" garment with a knee pad in the middle is a leg sleeve in my book."