NFHS Jewelry Rant

[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.

[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 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.