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05/02/18- NFHS Basketball Uniform Update and Interpretations

May 2, 2018

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Recently, we have had several inquiries regarding the placement of items on the basketball jersey per NFHS rules. Particularly references have been made to professional uniforms and the legality of such uniforms within the NFHS playing rules. A summary and related diagram is located online at http://www.nfhs.org/media/1018788/2017-18_basketball_uniforms.pdf

Keep the following restrictions in mind, using the samples of Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys shown in this post as guides (not including the restriction on one visible manufacturer logo within the size restriction):

Within the area below the neckline, only the following are allowed:

  • School Name- In the sample below, Cleveland is the name and is permitted, provided first and last letters are parallel, etc.
  • School Nickname- Not shown, but another uniform Cleveland uses has “Cavs”. This is what is meant by the school nickname.
  • School Logo Name- The corresponding in this example is Cavaliers. That would be legal. There is no allowance for a school logo, only the school logo name within the restricted area below the neckline.
  • Using the below examples, the jersey worn in the April 18 picture from the game with the Indiana Pacers (with the graphical C) is NOT a legal NFHS jersey. The other two are legal jerseys with respect to the printing on the jerseys. Although per NFHS rules, there are issues with logo placement on those jerseys.

Above the neckline – 

  • Graphical images that fit completely in the strap area above the neckline (area D on page 2 of the NFHS diagram) would be permitted.
  • This is intended for the placement of items such as smaller graphical logo representations (bear claws, etc.) and items allowed below the neckline (team names, school mascot names, etc.) may not be placed in this area.
  • The only place where other logos can be placed is in that small area at the intersection of the neckline (noted by the dash on page 2 of the NFHS diagram).

Other items (shorts, warm-ups, etc.)

  • There are no restrictions on these items other than the limitation of one visible manufacturer logo.

CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pauses between plays during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Apr 18, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) and guard Victor Oladipo (4) during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a call in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 23, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 700050324 ORIG FILE ID: 687504334

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