Knee pads, braces, etc.

[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 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.

Rule 3-5 ART. 3

Arm and leg compression sleeves shall:

a. Be white, black, beige or a single solid school color.

b. Be the same color for each team member.

c. Meet the logo requirements in 3-6.

d. Be worn for medical reasons.

[letemplay]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Rule 3-5 ART. 3

Arm and leg compression sleeves shall:

a. Be white, black, beige or a single solid school color.

b. Be the same color for each team member.

c. Meet the logo requirements in 3-6.

d. Be worn for medical reasons.

I am corrected! I was looking at an '11-'12 book in my office...one reason I hadda ask this question in the first place

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by 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.

Again, some state organizations have addressed these items like they do in other situations. So it really does not matter what you or I or anyone else personally thinks. It only matters what the state or organizations think and how they want these things handled. We did not see these things until the last few years ago and really this year. So whatever they are or can be used for is really up to how they are interpreted by people with more power.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

We did not see these things until the last few years ago and really this year.

Agreed, and this year the knee pads/hybrid sleeve devices are way up in my area.

[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.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

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.

I agree it has no basis in the rulebook, and I don't see any mention of pads in the book either.

Given no book definition, we're left to using external definitions -in this case the only external definition of any use to us is the one used by the manufacturers of these.

Sleeves (any brand, I just looked at several on line) don't have pads; and those apparently hybridized things that have pads in them, on line, are labelled and sold as pads.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

I agree it has no basis in the rulebook, and I don't see any mention of pads in the book either.

Given no book definition, we're left to using external definitions -in this case the only external definition of any use to us is the one used by the manufacturers of these.

Sleeves (any brand, I just looked at several on line) don't have pads; and those apparently hybridized things that have pads in them, on line, are labelled and sold as pads.

Could be. I personally haven't made anybody take off or change that equipment. However, around these parts, at the college and high school levels, they are being interpreted as sleeves.

I should check to see what my state website says, if anything.

[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)