RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPER UNIFORM AND APPAREL An NFHS POE in 2018,19
FASHION POLICE Rules 2018/19 NFHS Wrist-, Headbands, Arm-, Knee-, Leg Sleeves, Tights, Compression Shorts Undershirts, and Other Fashionable Apparel Items We ve Been Told to Police in Rule 3-5 and in a POE for This Year
2018-19 NFHS POE: RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPER UNIFORM AND APPAREL The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee remains concerned with the number of reports of improper uniforms, uniform adornments, and non-compliant accessories being worn by players in games. State associations report that an inordinate amount of time is being spent with interpretations, clarifications, and reminders concerning items worn on both the arms and legs that contradict current rule language. At the same time, there is not unified support according to nationwide questionnaires for either more restrictive or less restrictive rule code changes. The committee is left to conclude that the existing rule code adequately addresses the requirements, but must be understood by coaches and players, and properly applied by contest officials. The responsibilities in this area are clear: It is the coach s role to know the rules, allowances, and restrictions, and to ensure the players are properly informed. The head coach, by rule, shall not permit a team member to participate while wearing an illegal uniform. It is therefore incumbent on the coach to be sure the rules and restrictions have been reviewed by the team including and especially, allowable accessories. It is the officials role to monitor the players and the uniform. This role begins in pre-game warmups, even when all of the uniform and accessories may not be visible. Vigilance, visual monitoring, and communication with both coaches and players during this time may prevent unfortunate situations and their subsequent penalties. Violations cannot be ignored. When preventative monitoring can prevent a player from entering the game with non-compliance items, those steps should be taken. If that isn t possible, then proper penalties must be levied, whether it be against the player or the coach (dependent upon the rule). While it is difficult to stay in front of these issues with an ever-changing marketplace, the rules in place are clear, and if properly applied by all parties, additional measures may not be necessary.
Basic Summary: Undershirts must be a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey. Sleeves be hemmed and the same length per player (one teammate may have short sleeves, another may have long sleeves). Sleeves for arms, knees, and legs, and compression shorts, tights, headbands, and wristbands must be a single solid color: white, black, beige, or the predominant color of the jersey. All such articles for all teammates must all be the same color. Logo restrictions: One visible manufacturer s logo or school logo is permitted on any of the above, the size limited to 2-1/4 inches and not exceeding 2-1/4 square inches in any dimension on any item. Headband: a band that goes around the head and may be of any material but without extensions (tails). Wristband: moisture-absorbing, 4 wide max., one on each arm, worn below the elbow. Hair control device (scrunchie, rubber band, elastic band) is something that goes around hair only and has no color restrictions. Braces: Knee and ankle braces do not need to meet the color restrictions. Brace Defined: A brace is defined as anything worn for a medical purpose to increase stability. In general, it is made of neoprene or elastic knit with an insert embedded to support the joint. It may or may not have a hinge and/or straps or an opening over the knee cap.
3-5-6 UNDERSHIRTS shall be a single solid color similar to the torso of the jersey and shall be hemmed and not have frayed or ragged edges. If the undershirt has sleeves, they shall be the same length on a player.
Jewelry is prohibited Rule 3-5-7 CASEBOOK 3.5A: The officials are on the court prior to the game observing the team warm-ups. One official notices that a member of Team A is wearing a decorative necklace. RULING: The official should inform the team member to remove the jewelry immediately. Upon compliance, the team member may continue to warm up with his or her teammates and may start the game without penalty. CASEBOOK 3.5.7: Substitute A6 is beckoned and enters the court to replace A1. A6 is wearing: (a) a bracelet, (b) an earring covered with tape or (c) earhole spacer. RULING: The items in (a), (b) and (c) are illegal and considered jewelry and A6 will not be allowed to participate while wearing the items. No penalty is involved. A6 simply cannot participate until the illegal items are removed.
NEW for Officials Last Year Even though the FitBit might fit, you musta quit.......... wearing it. No jewelry, except wedding band, shall be worn by officials while officiating a game. Fitness bands, rubber bands are considered the same as jewelry. -- p.13, Officials Manual
Wristbands, Headwear 3-5-4... Wristbands and headwear shall meet the following guidelines: a. Headbands and wristbands shall be white, black, beige or the predominant color of the jersey and shall be the same color for each item and all participants. They must be the same color as any sleeve/tights worn. See 3-6 for logo requirements. b. A headband is any item that goes around the entire head. It must be a circular design without extensions. If worn, only one headband is permitted, it must be worn on the forehead/crown, it must be nonabrasive and unadorned, and it must be a maximum of 2 inches wide. c. If worn, only one wristband is permitted on each wrist, each must be worn on the arm below the elbow, each must be moisture-absorbing, nonabrasive and unadorned, and each must be a maximum of 4 inches wide.
The Sorry Skylar Rule... What about my contract with Nike??? A headband... Must be a circular design without extensions. Now honey, I told you you can t wear that anymore What about a headband without tails but with a knot in the back? According to the MHSAA, this is permitted. The tails are what would make it illegal but a knot is legal.
HAIR RESTRAINING DEVICES 3-5-4d - Rubber, cloth or elastic bands may be used to control hair. Hard items, including but not limited to, beads, barrettes and bobby pins, are prohibited. 3-5-4e Head decorations and headwear, except those specified above, are prohibited. HAIR RESTRAINING DEVICES In MHSAA, extensions here are illegal. NOTE THIS DIFFERENCE: A hair control device goes around the hair. A headband goes around the head. There are no color restrictions for legal hair control devices. They just can t be hard or have tails.
NEW Last Year 2017-18 POE #1 Equipment Worn on Head for Medical or Religious Reason
Specific procedures have been established for allowing a head covering to be worn for medical or religious reasons. A player who is required to wear a head covering for medical or religious reasons (1) must provide a physician statement or appropriate documented evidence to the (2) state association for approval. If approved, the state association shall (3) provide written authorization to the school to be (4) made available to officials. (see also 3-5-4 EXCEPTION) for limitations 2017-18 POE #1 Equipment Worn on Head for Medical or Religious Reason
Sleeves, Compression Shorts, Tights 3-5-3... Arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves, compression shorts and tights are permissible: a. Anything worn on the arm and/or leg is a sleeve, except a knee brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. b. The sleeves/tights, compression shorts shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the jersey and the same color sleeves/tights shall be worn by teammates. c. All sleeves/tights, compression shorts shall be the same solid color and must be the same color as any headband or wristband worn.
COMPRESSION SHORTS
NEW for 2018,19 No More Rolled Waistbands NFHS Interpretation - SITUATION 9: During warm-ups, the officials notice that some players have rolled the waistband on their shorts. What actions should be taken by the officials, if any, at this time? RULING: During the warm-up period, the referee should notify the coach of the infractions and ask that they be corrected immediately. If the corrections are not made and players attempt to enter the game with rolled waistbands, those players should not be allowed to enter the game prior to correcting the issue. If player(s) in the game have rolled waistband(s), they shall be directed to leave the game and may not re-enter until the next opportunity to substitute. No penalty is involved. The game should not be held-up to allow for the correction. (3-3-5, 3-5-5) Discovered during Warm-Ups, Say: #, you won t be allowed to play with your waistband rolled like that. Discovered in the Game, Say: Coach, I need a sub for #, her rolled waistband is illegal.
Definition of Brace to Distinguish It from a Sleeve 3-5-2c NOTE: A brace is defined as anything worn for a medical purpose to increase stability. In general, it is made of neoprene or elastic knit with an insert embedded to support the joint. It may or may not have a hinge and/or straps or an opening over the kneecap. Important because... No Color Restrictions for Brace 3-5-2c: Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the manufacturer s original design/production are permitted and do not require any additional padding/covering nor do the braces need to meet the color restrictions.
Brace Defined: A brace is defined as anything worn for a medical purpose to increase stability. In general, it is made of neoprene or elastic knit with an insert embedded to support the joint. It may or may not have a hinge and/or straps or an opening over the knee cap. ART. 2c Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered from the manufacturer s original design/production are permitted and do not require any additional padding/covering nor do the braces need to meet the color restrictions.
Color restrictions apply to sleeves, whether worn on the knee or arm SLEEVES/TIGHTS: ART. 3 Arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves, compression shorts and tights are permissible: a. Anything worn on the arm and/or leg is a sleeve, except a knee brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. b. The SLEEVES/TIGHTS, COMPRESSION SHORTS shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the jersey and the same color sleeves/tights shall be worn by teammates. c. All SLEEVES/TIGHTS, COMPRESSION SHORTS shall be the same solid color and must be the same color as any headband or wristband worn. These sleeves are illegal due to color violations According to MHSAA, sleeves with sewn-in pads are still sleeves (and not braces ), and shall meet the legal color restrictions, whether worn on the knee or arm
SLEEVES/TIGHTS: ART. 3 Arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves, compression shorts and tights are permissible: a. Anything worn on the arm and/or leg is a sleeve, except a knee brace, and shall meet the color restrictions. b. The SLEEVES/TIGHTS, COMPRESSION SHORTS shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the jersey and the same color sleeves/tights shall be worn by teammates. c. All SLEEVES/TIGHTS, COMPRESSION SHORTS shall be the same solid color and must be the same color as any headband or wristband worn.
What to Do when Fashion Police Apparel Infractions are Discovered During Warmups... On a Sub... During the Game Casebook, regarding Worn Items: will not be allowed to participate while wearing the different color items simply cannot participate until the color restriction is corrected is not allowed to enter simply cannot participate until the color restrictions are corrected will not be allowed to enter the game wearing them will not be allowed to participate while wearing the items simply cannot participate until the items are removed may not participate and is directed to return to the bench until legally equipped There currently is no penalty for illegal apparel. Simply don t allow the player to play. Ask the coach for a sub for the player with illegal apparel. Don t allow a sub with illegal apparel to enter the game. Very simple. They re making this easy for us! Let s all do these things beginning at the first game and it won t be a problem for very long after that! SAY: No, you won t be allowed as a sub with that illegal colored headband... SAY: #, you won t be able to play with that red headband... SAY: Coach, I need subs for #15 and #3...
Test your knowledge of the Fashion Police rules by assessing the legality of these examples...
QUESTION: What is the Dallas player wearing that would be illegal in NFHS?
ANSWER... Nothing. The tights he s wearing comply with the black color requirement and the black knee sleeves, though they look more like bands, match as well, as they must.
QUESTION: Identify the illegal adornments this guy is wearing.
ANSWER: Headband? OK cf. 3-6 for logo. Wrist bands? 3-5-4c, not moisture-absorbing, thus ILLEGAL. Numbered Armband? ILLEGAL doesn t comply with 3-6. Worn above the elbow, contra 3-5-4c. Shirt? Untucked, ILLEGAL Medical Thingies on the upper arms? LEGAL
QUESTION: Assess the legality of the way these players are adorned.
ANSWER: White arm sleeve is LEGAL. The things on their knees seem to be braces, not compression sleeves, so they re not regulated by any color restrictions -- LEGAL.
QUESTION: Will you allow this player to begin or enter the game?
ANSWER: Nope. Arm compression sleeve must be a single solid color, either black, white, beige, or the predominant color of the jersey.
Question: Anything illegal about the way these players are wearing their uniforms?
ANSWER: By NFHS 2018,19 Interpretation, rolling the waistband of the shorts is illegal. If we all enforce this rule the first games of the year, it would become a non-issue and no longer a problem.
Exposed Pants Strings: A Safety Issue... Don t Allow It.
QUESTION: Compare the two Rebels players. Assess their undershirts, socks, and shoes.
ANSWER: Undershirts: Both by color and sleeve length LEGAL. Socks: Unregulated LEGAL. Shoes: Unregulated LEGAL.
QUESTION: How d your partner let this guy in the game??? How do you handle it if you discover him playing like this? Warming up like this?
ANSWER: Your partner didn t know the rule regarding arm compression sleeves, that they need to be a single legal color. If it poses no undue delay, tell the player to take it off and toss it to the bench. Otherwise, just say, Coach, I need a sub for #, he s playing with an illegal sleeve. Short, to the point, illegality solved.
QUESTION: Assess the middle Bulldog player in the white.
ANSWERS: Zap him on that arm compression sleeve it s not the solid color of his jersey the leg compression sleeve must also be that same color (unless that s a brace which would be unregulated cf. 3-5-3 NOTE, on definition of a brace )
QUESTION: LEGAL, right?
ANSWER: Right. A-O-K here. Undershirt sleeves are of the same length. 3-5-6. And a teammate could have a white undershirt with two short sleeves, also.
QUESTION: These guys???
ANSWERS: The player has a bandage on his wrist, which would be unregulated as to color. The string outside the shorts is a safety issue. Ask him to tuck those strings inside his pants.
QUESTION: The Bulldog #1???
ANSWER: Compression sleeves on the legs are fully legal. But the different sleeve lengths of his undershirt violate 3-5- 6. He should not have been allowed to begin or enter the game wearing that. Sorry Bulldog #1.
RULING?:
ANSWER: Let em play. All good. 3-6 is the only pertinent rule involved here, and that s OK.
QUESTION: Any illegal items on this player?
ANSWER: 3-5-4c below the elbow
QUESTION: Fashionable and popular, but which arm has something ILLEGAL?
ANSWER: Right arm adornment is not in compliance with 3-5-4c, not moisture-absorbing. You go ahead and tell him. He s in your PCA, not mine.
QUESTION:
YOUR REACTION: Hey #20 and #35 And #42
QUESTION: Only two NFHS violations to clean up here. What are they?
ANSWER: ILLEGAL wristbands cf. 3-5-4c.
YOU CORRECTLY SAY: Coach, this player is dressed illegally in three ways, one of which is gonna cost you your box. (Or tactful words to that effect ) Why?
BECAUSE: 1-- The wristband needs to be below the elbow, and 2 The leg sleeve, even with the sewn-in pad, needs to be white, beige, black, or the predominant color of the jersey, and 3 The illegal number (3-4-3d) constitutes an illegal uniform, thus (10-5-4), a direct technical against the coach. 4 According to 3-4-1c, if this is the home team, that yellow jersey is another illegal uniform. But only one direct T against the coach is given. Then let em play that way.
I M NOT ARGUING WITH THIS GUY. I LL LET MY PARTNER TAKE CARE OF HIM. What will my partner need to address here?
My partner will explain tactfully to the coach that the armbands gotta be below the elbows and be blue, or the headband needs to be white. I m not messing with this guy.
QUESTION: This high school player?
YOUR REACTI0N: Purple tights are legal. They might look goofy, but they re legal. But hey, let s get that armband slid down below the elbow okay?! And coach, enjoy your cup of T today.
QUESTION:
ANSWER: What s with the ILLEGAL headband, dude? Cf. 3-6.
QUESTION: Must be an underclassman. What issues you got with this youngster?
ISSUES: ILLEGAL headband Why? ILLEGAL armsleeves Why? ILLEGAL wristband Why?
QUESTION: What s wrong here?
ANSWER: #1 You re doing the wrong sport. #2 Wristbands must be unadorned cf. 3-5-4c.
QUESTION: Anything the crew missed when they allowed these two players to play?
ANSWERS: White player wrist band see 3-5-4c, not moisture absorbing -- ILLEGAL. Blue player headband ILLEGAL, not the color of the arm sleeve.
QUESTION: Your partner doesn t see anything wrong with this player. Your response is...
ANSWERS: A. Get a new partner. B. Enforce the headband rule. C. Loose the necklace. D. Get a shirt on this guy. E. Do an immediate background check, maybe?
QUESTION: Hi-flying #5. OK?
ANSWER: Nope. Tights are legal, but headband and tights must match.
QUESTION: You discover these compression shorts because this player does this to show you... What do you do now?
ANSWER: Coach, this player is wearing illegal compression shorts. I need a substitute for him right now. According to 3-3-5, can the coach buy him back in with a time out?
This is an ILLEGAL uniform, not merely an apparel/fashion police issue. Read 10-6-4 to see why the coach loses his coaching box due to this illegal number. At least his headband and wristbands are legal! (And there is no rule governing the color of pants.)
Freddy Krieger Trainer, Fruit Belt Officials Association MHSAA (Michigan) Registered Basketball Official and Trainer On Facebook at MHSAA Basketball Referee Group On the Web at www.myvirtualofficialsassociation.com Email: kproplumb@hotmail.com