Eye Black

[frezer11]

Before a game this weekend, I was talking with a coach that I know, and he mentioned that some of his kids wanted to wear eye black during a game. He didn't allow them to do it anyways, but I got to thinking whether or not it was actually legal to do. I didn't find anywhere in the rules that prohibit it, but my gut feeling is that they shouldn't. Thoughts? Has anyone ever seen that in basketball?

[Adam]

I've seen it (in a girls game, actually), and can't recall any rule either. It should be allowed, so long as nothing offensive is written in the eye black.

[grunewar]

Ridiculous. Just more "kids" trying to get more attention.

[HokiePaul]

I agree that it is ridiculous.

Not saying that I'd go this route (it would be a bit of a stretch), but one could argue:

that it is not "appropriate" for an indoor basketball game.

3-5-1: The referee shall not permit any team member to wear equipment or apparel which, in his/her judgment, is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate

or that this is a "head decoration"
3-5-4e: Head decorations and headwear, except those specified above, are prohibited

or that this is "unnatural" and could provide a "competitive advantage"
3-6-5: Equipment which is unnatural ... or to gain a competitive advantage shall not be permitted

Really though, if I saw this, I'd ignore it and bring it up to my association in case they wanted to address it.

[River Ref]

Okay. Let's imagine the home town and favored(wolves)playing the visiting(rabbits).Home teams paints faces like their mascot or even glues on some long hair in places. No rules broke,but could it not be taunting? Silly I know,but just throwing it on the wall.

[Rich1]

Originally Posted by River Ref

Okay. Let's imagine the home town and favored(wolves)playing the visiting(rabbits).Home teams paints faces like their mascot or even glues on some long hair in places. No rules broke,but could it not be taunting? Silly I know,but just throwing it on the wall.

This would be a violation of rule 3-5 as cited above and should not be allowed.

[SuMo77k]

3-5-4e Head decorations. Last I checked the face is part of the head. Eye black is to reduce glare from the sun. So, if the sun is shining at high noon in your gym, it's ok. But you should get off the LSD.
For a second I thought there was a specific rule against it, but I believe it's volleyball, which I haven't done in a while.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by SuMo77k

3-5-4e Head decorations. Last I checked the face is part of the head.

By that logic, the girls can't wear makeup to the game. Leave it alone.

2-3, my friends.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by just another ref

By that logic, the girls can't wear makeup to the game. Leave it alone.

Agree. I believe head decorations are ribbons, bows, etc., not makeup.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by SuMo77k

Eye black is to reduce glare from the sun. So, if the sun is shining at high noon in your gym, it's ok. But you should get off the LSD.

We have one gym (Men's League) where the sun is a real issue for about 30 minutes during the late weekend afternoon games. Need to adjust where you stand and change your angles during that time. I've been blinded for a few secs a couple of times as the glare off the floor can be tough. (Never thought about going to the eye black though.)

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

I believe head decorations are ribbons, bows, etc., not makeup.

Ribbons, and bows, can be head decorations, and thus, illegal; or they can be hair control devices, and thus, legal. It depends on how they are used.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by just another ref

By that logic, the girls can't wear makeup to the game. Leave it alone.

Fashion Police, Special Makeup Unit?