IAABO Refresher Exam Question #5 ...

[BillyMac]

2014 IAABO Refresher Exam (Reflects NFHS Rules)

5. During pregame warmups, the official notices that A-1 is wearing a white headband, a white arm sleeve, and white long compression pants that extend to the player’s ankles. The official rules that A-1 cannot play with the long compression pants. Is the official correct?

OK, so I carelessly read this quickly, spotted, "compression", "extended", and "long", and answered "Yes" incorrectly.

I should have spotted the word "pants" (not shorts), and realized that there would be a question on tights now being allowed under the new Fashion Police rules.

But then I started thinking, and doing some research:

3-5-7: Compression shorts shall be a single solid color similar to the predominant color of the uniform; the length shall be above the knee. Undergarments shall not extend below the pants/skirt. See 3-6 for logo requirements.

3.5.7 SITUATION A: Substitute A6 is beckoned and enters the court to replace A1. A6 is wearing: (a) compression shorts below the game pants which extend below the knees; (b) cut-off jeans extending below the game pants; or (c) jewelry or (d) leg compression sleeve. RULING: The items in (a), (b) and (c) are illegal and A6 will not be allowed to participate while wearing the items. No penalty is involved. A6 simply cannot participate until the illegal items are removed. Legal in (d) if color restrictions are met. (3-5-3; 3-5-7; 3 5-8)

So (assuming proper colors) compression shorts can only legally be above the knees, while compression pants i.e., tights, can legally be of any length.

In the absence of labels on these items of clothing (labeled shorts, or pants), how does one determine the difference between shorts, and pants. Long shorts are illegal, but short tights (pants) are legal, as are long tights (pants).

In other words, what's the difference (without labels of shorts, or pants, attached) between short (above the knee) shorts (illegal), and short (above the knee) tights (pants) (legal)?

Practically, I'm allowing compression "anything", in the legal color, of any length, however, I'm interested in the "test" question aspect of the rule.

What am I missing here? Should we still have rules regarding compression shorts in the rulebook? Isn't anything worn on the leg (other than a brace with straps, and hinges) a sleeve, and legal, at any length, if it adheres to the color restrictions?