NFHS Jewelry Rant

[CajunNewBlue]

I wish FED would address this properly.... you already got runners with a hard plastic helmet with a metal face shield and metal spikes/cleats on their feet.... God forbid a little plastic hair clip come undone and prick someone during a slide.
whatever.

Rant=off

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

With the exception of the "others", why would you care?

Because an injury is an injury, and it will take longer to get home if we have to wait?

I believe we were talking about kids' games. Therefore, yes, I will include that in my judgment.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I believe we were talking about kids' games. Therefore, yes, I will include that in my judgment.

Yet another often-discussed issue that means nothing to me or the way I approach the game. Contrary to the beliefs of many coaches and parents, I don't believe an umpire should be there "for the kids". Again, the kids are the responsibility of the coaches and parents. THEY are the ones who need to be there "for the kids".

As an umpire, I'm there for the game. I don't care if it is 10U or 50+ SP, "B" FP or A/Open SP, they all get the same game and general application of the appropriate rules. And before anyone starts, I am quite aware and supportive of certain allowances at different levels or ages. This is why you DON'T put your less-than-stellar or hardnose umpires on the 10U games.

[Dakota]

Even though the NFHS rules are intolerant of jewelry (where ASA includes umpire judgment regarding safety), I like the fact that the NFHS book places the responsibility squarely with the coach, the player, and the parents.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Even though the NFHS rules are intolerant of jewelry (where ASA includes umpire judgment regarding safety), I like the fact that the NFHS book places the responsibility squarely with the coach, the player, and the parents.

Maybe, but when the suit is filed, you will be included, right or not.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Even though the NFHS rules are intolerant of jewelry (where ASA includes umpire judgment regarding safety), I like the fact that the NFHS book places the responsibility squarely with the coach, the player, and the parents.

I see the exact opposite.... they place it firmly in our laps to NOT allow any of the ambiguously described pieces of jewelry or cosmetic devices.
Although like i explained to the coach.... hard is bad... soft is good.. he actually seemed to get it. (regarding hair containment devices)

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

I see the exact opposite.... they place it firmly in our laps to NOT allow any of the ambiguously described pieces of jewelry or cosmetic devices.
Although like i explained to the coach.... hard is bad... soft is good.. he actually seemed to get it. (regarding hair containment devices)

NFHS Rule 3-5

ART. 1 . . . Prior to the start of the game at the pregame conference, a head
coach shall be responsible for verifying to the plate umpire that all his/her players
are legally equipped, and that players and equipment are in compliance with
all NFHS rules.
PENALTY: (Art. 1) The game may not begin until the head coach attends the
pregame conference and verifies player and equipment compliance.
NOTE: Although umpires have the duty and right to inspect equipment, the responsibility
for proper equipment rests with coaches, student-athletes and their parents/guardians.

[topper]

I'm with Irish and CNB on this one. Fed's decision to allow HS players, many of whom are less-than-accomplished at sliding and avoiding being slid into, to wear metal cleats while banning earrings and cloth bracelets seems a little absurd. The decision to have their kids wear metal cleats lays with the coaches and parents. That's where the jewelry issue belongs as well.

And yes, if I see it, I'll have them remove it. I just don't see it. If it's pointed out to me by someone, I'll remove it since others can prove that I saw it. Until Fed requires us to perform a standardized pregame jewelry inspection, I will continue to not see it. I guess this makes me "THAT" umpire. I still don't see how this makes other's jobs more difficult. If I instruct a player to remove something, I could care less if a previous umpire didn't. I could care less if the coach complains about umpires' inconsistency on the matter. They will still have to remove it. It's not difficult to make them comply.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by topper

...Fed's decision to allow HS players, many of whom are less-than-accomplished at sliding and avoiding being slid into, to wear metal cleats while banning earrings and cloth bracelets seems a little absurd...

It is entirely consistent with their overall outlook on life and how their status, legally and organizationally, is different from ASA (for example).

1. en loco parentis is historically the role of the schools and their representatives in dealing with school children, although that has been weakened by societal mores and recent legislation.

2. Title IX has significantly impacted how the schools deal with girls sports, rules, and facilities.

#1 results in things like the jewlery rules.
#2 results in things like the metal cleats rule.

Some would argue that metal cleats are actually safer than plastic, but even if true, I suspect the overriding reason NFHS changed the rule to allow metal was "because they are legal for the boys."

And, even baseball does not allow jewelry.

NFHS Baseball Rule 1-5

ART. 12 . . . Jewelry shall not be worn (See 3-3-1d) except for religious or
medical medals.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

NFHS Rule 3-5

"have the duty".... is what wraps us up in the legal matters. imho.

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by topper

I'm with Irish and CNB on this one.

You are a awesome umpire and a handsome man.... keep agreeing with me more!!!

love you man! (in a totally hetro way!)

[Dukat]

In my pregame, right after asking if they are legally and properly equipped, I specifically mention Livestrong bracelets and also that they make sure if they are wearing the hair bands that they keep them in their hair and not around their necks. It seems to help a lot. If asked if they can tape them I always give the right answer but if a girl comes out with band-aids over something I have never thought it was my duty to tell them to look under their band-aids. From my POV, I have asked if they are equipped properly and if they are purposefully hiding it then it puts it back on them.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

"have the duty".... is what wraps us up in the legal matters. imho.

Where does it say we have the duty to inspect the players?

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Where does it say we have the duty to inspect the players?

Although umpires have the duty and right to inspect equipment, the responsibility
for proper equipment rests with coaches, student-athletes and their parents/guardians.

"equipment" is on the players....

[wadeintothem]

Far too many umpires spend way too much managing the people and not the game.