Headbands in FED

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

That's it. Same one. The middle picture is definitely thinner than the one posted in the OP... but the device in the middle picture is definitely longer than 2 inches, and is definitely a hair control device (and actually extends FURTHER than the one in the OP).

I think we can agree the one shown in the OP is not a plastic visor, is not a bandana, and is not a hair bead.

The item in the middle picture looks more like a conventional headband to me. It wraps around and connects in the back of the back and is being worh near the brow in front, unlike the hard plastic item pictured above.

I'd have to say that headbands and hair control devices must fall into two separate categories. If they were one and the same, then the item in the NFHS picture definitely wouldn't be legal, as it is longer than two inches.

The rule itself seems to distinguish between the two. It refers to "headwear" as items like caps, visors, headbands and ribbons. For "items used to control the hair" it references "bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips".

Which category do you think the item Manny posted falls under?

(I have now spent more time playing fashion police than I hope to have to spend all season!)

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by BretMan

I'd have to say that headbands and hair control devices must fall into two separate categories. If they were one and the same, then the item in the NFHS picture definitely wouldn't be legal, as it is longer than two inches.

Fair point. And perhaps I'm wrong about this device's legality.

I will say this though - the mere fact that you have to ask me which category it belongs in, and the fact that I might answer that question differently from you or some other umpire, tells me that NFHS has fallen down on the job here in failing to define it for us. If they are treated differently, the categories need definition.

(BTW - the answer to your question is "I don't know", as one could support it's inclusion in either category.)

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

I will say this though - the mere fact that you have to ask me which category it belongs in, and the fact that I might answer that question differently from you or some other umpire, tells me that NFHS has fallen down on the job here in failing to define it for us. If they are treated differently, the categories need definition.

It seems to me (and I obviously could be wrong) that the overarching concern here is one of safety. Why else would NFHS limit hard plastic or metal items to being flat and two inches or less?

So regardless if they are "hair control devices" or "headwear" or whatever, all things made of a hard, inflexible material should be prohibited. Or am I wrong here?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

It seems to me (and I obviously could be wrong) that the overarching concern here is one of safety. Why else would NFHS limit hard plastic or metal items to being flat and two inches or less?

So regardless if they are "hair control devices" or "headwear" or whatever, all things made of a hard, inflexible material should be prohibited. Or am I wrong here?

You have a point... then again, what's more dangerous, the thing in the OP, or a 1.99" hairclip with a semi-pointed end.

Honestly - if we have heads conking... the HEAD is more dangerous than any of these items we're talking about.