Ear Plugs
 

I have a question for the members of the forum. I have been officiating volleyball for the past 10 years at a Jr.H.S. level using NFHS rule set.
I basically officiate in two-three diffferent gyms 25-30 matches a season These are very small gyms.
My question is I have been using ear plugs I believe the brand name is "Ear Planes"when I officiate to save my hearing. I figure approx 300 whistles a match is gone to hurt my hearing. I have even gone to a Fox Pearl whistle (lower tone). This plug seems to eliminate the high pitch but I can still hear most conversation without removing them.
How is this veiwed at the next level (HS). Is it a frowned upon for lower level matches? Tourneys ? Would it depend on the individual assignors?
Thank You

I think the answers depends on where you officiate and who assigns your games. Those are the people you would answer to and who would make the call on what is frowned upon or not.

I can tell that here in AZ where I live, ear plugs are not only accepted, but encouraged. Personally, I have never felt the need to wear them, but there are quite a few officials that I know of that do.

Frankly, I would be surprised if anyone anywhere told you earplugs were frowned upon. They're at your discretion, when you feel their necessary.

Totally up to you.

Thank you for your time and in-put:)

If you go to any MD they will write you a prescription for ear plugs when using a whistle. Then it is medical and they can 'frown' all they want.

I have the same issue with some assigners who do not like sunglasses in softball. Got a prescription and now, when they ask " Are your glasses prescription" I can honestly answer yes and I can wear sunglasses on a sunny day, like every player and coach on the field. :cool:

The only real prohibition I've seen against sunglasses is on the football field. I'd be happy if that went away, as I'm used to wearing glasses pretty much all the time when I'm outside and it's not dark.