concussion headband

[bbman]

Had a player with a 'concussion headband' on. Color was black (no problem), but it had multiple markings on it. (ie couple manufactures logos & a symbol of some kind.
1. Is it legal?
2. Is this something the coach should inform us of before the game?
3. Is a 'doctors note' required?

Thanks

[jeremy341a]

Not legal in Missouri without a wavier from the state.

[BillyMac]

Legal in Connecticut. No medical clearance needed. No color restrictions.

[Adam]

Unless your state says otherwise, I'd suggest considering this the same as a knee brace.

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by Adam

Unless your state says otherwise, I'd suggest considering this the same as a knee brace.

I'd go with this. In fact, the "knee brace" thing was exactly what I thought of when I first read the OP.

[HokiePaul]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

I'd go with this. In fact, the "knee brace" thing was exactly what I thought of when I first read the OP.

Also agree ... although the potential liability involved with suggesting that a player remove such a device was the first thing I thought of. Without explicit guidance otherwise, I'm not telling the player to remove that.

[letemplay]

I've seen these worn and allowed too here in VA. Just curious cuz I don't know, but are these to help prevent an initial head injury, or are they being worn by kids who have already suffered a concussion, been cleared to play again, and are just being cautious to protect against another such blow to the head?

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by HokiePaul

Also agree ... although the potential liability involved with suggesting that a player remove such a device was the first thing I thought of. Without explicit guidance otherwise, I'm not telling the player to remove that.

"Sorry, but you can't play with that on." - you're not telling them to take off something that may be medically necessary to keep on, but you're enforcing the rule too.

NEVER tell them they have to take something off.

In this case, though, I'm saying nothing and ignoring the thing.

[referee99]

EXCEPTION: State associations may on an individual basis permit a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria:
a. For medical or cosmetic reasons – In the event a participant is required by a licensed medical physician to cover his/her head with a covering or wrap, the physician's statement is required before the state association can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play.
b. For religious reasons – In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

"Sorry, but you can't play with that on." - you're not telling them to take off something that may be medically necessary to keep on, but you're enforcing the rule too.

NEVER tell them they have to take something off.

In this case, though, I'm saying nothing and ignoring the thing.

Semantics.

I use the same phrasing with earrings. While I'm probably going to be even more careful with something like this, let's not pretend they don't mean the same thing.

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by Adam

Semantics.

I use the same phrasing with earrings. While I'm probably going to be even more careful with something like this, let's not pretend they don't mean the same thing.

If you tell somebody that they have to take something off, and that player suffers because of it, a court will definitely care about "semantics". It's happened before.

[so cal lurker]

I'm still waiting to see any research that says those things actually reduce concussions . . . last time I saw research (which I think was from soccer), there was no evidence that they did anything to reduce concussions. (Which makes sense if you are paying attention to what a concussion really is [movement of the brain within the skull] rather than trying to make a buck off mommy's fears for little Johnny. That pad is going to do very little to change the rate of acceleration/decleration of the skull, which is what causes the brain to slosh inside.)

[BryanV21]

Originally Posted by so cal lurker

I'm still waiting to see any research that says those things actually reduce concussions . . . last time I saw research (which I think was from soccer), there was no evidence that they did anything to reduce concussions. (Which makes sense if you are paying attention to what a concussion really is [movement of the brain within the skull] rather than trying to make a buck off mommy's fears for little Johnny. That pad is going to do very little to change the rate of acceleration/decleration of the skull, which is what causes the brain to slosh inside.)

Until my state or association tells me differently, I'm not acting like a doctor or medical professional.

[so cal lurker]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

Until my state or association tells me differently, I'm not acting like a doctor or medical professional.

Not suggesting refs should do anything. I do think those headbands are a fraud that is taking advantage of fear and that may be increasing risks of actual concussions (likely more so in soccer than basketball) becuase players falsely think they have some measure of protection.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

If you tell somebody that they have to take something off, and that player suffers because of it, a court will definitely care about "semantics". It's happened before.

You have a citation?