12/10/14 – Compiled Uniform Rules and Questions

February 18, 2016 Athletic Department Blog Updates

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Due to the fact that there is no single resource from which an athletic administrator can become informed about the rules governing uniforms for each of the OHSAA-sponsored sports, this document will summarize both the OHSAA General Sports Regulation on Uniforms as well as the specific regulations found in the playing rules of each sport. The OHSAA hopes that this information will assist athletic administrators and coaches so that costly mistakes are not made when ordering school uniforms. An additional purpose is to assist administrators in reinforcing these rules with coaches in order to prevent penalties for non-compliance. Coaches are responsible, along with student-athletes, for insuring that compliance with uniform rules. The head official shall require coaches to verify prior to each contest that all athletes are legally equipped, in legal uniforms and free of all jewelry.

The OHSAA General Sports Regulation #17, ?Athletic Uniforms? reads: Uniforms worn by participants in a high school athletic contest must conform to the playing rules adopted by the OHSAA for that sport. Any lettering or emblems on uniforms must pertain to the school name, school nickname, individual’s name, the sport, drug use prevention, sportsmanship, ethics or integrity or be of a patriotic nature and provided it does not violate the rules of the sport in regard to location. Any visible manufacturer’s logo/trade name/reference on a uniform or undergarment must conform to the rules adopted by the national rules committee for that sport. However, if there is no specific rule, the maximum size is no more than 2? square inches in size with no dimension exceeding 2? inches. NOTE: All NFHS playing rules now permit ONE American flag (no more than 2? X 3?) to be placed on each piece of the uniform.

BASEBALL
The following ?Baseball Uniform Requirements? are found in the 2013-14 NFHS Baseball Rules Book.
They are detailed in Section 4 of Rule 1 and are found on pages 12-13.
RULE 4 ? PLAYER EQUIPMENT
SECTION 1 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
SECTION 4 UNIFORMS
ART. 1 Uniforms of all team members should be of the same color and style. Caps and shoes are required equipment (no track spikes allowed). When a player is required to wear a head protector, it replaces the cap as mandatory equipment.
ART. 2 For individual players, uniform sleeve lengths may vary. However, sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length and shall not be ragged, frayed or slit. If the pitcher?s undershirt sleeves are exposed, they shall not be white or gray. A pitcher shall not wear any item on his hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter. A pitcher shall not wear white or gray exposed undershirt sleeves or any white or gray sleeve that extends below the elbow. A vest and coordinating shirt that is worn underneath is viewed as a type of uniform top.
ART. 3 A uniform shall not have any dangerous or reflective buttons or ornaments. Each player shall be numbered on the back of his shirt with a plain number of solid color contrasting with the color of the shirt. This number shall be a plain Arabic style and shall be at least eight inches high, and no players of the same team shall wear identical numbers. A number may have a border of not more than one-quarter inch in width.
ART 4. The school?s official uniform (including uniform pants, jersey, visible undergarments, socks, stockings, caps and headwear) may bear only a visible single manufacturer?s log (partial or whole) or trademark. A manufacturer?s logo/trademark shall not exceed 2 1/4 square inches with no dimension exceeding 2 1/4 inches. No more than one manufacturer?s logo/trademark or reference shall be permitted on the outside of each item. (The same restriction shall apply to either the manufacturer?s logo/trademark or reference.) One American flag 2 inches x 3 inches may be worn on each item of uniform apparel. By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, that will be uniformly placed, not to exceed 4 square inches, to be worn on jerseys in an appropriate and dignified manner without compromising the integrity of the uniform.

Please refer to NFHS Baseball Rules 1-3 and 1-5 for information on Player Equipment and additional items such as gloves, bats, balls, catchers gear and facial protection.

BASKETBALL
The following ?Basketball Uniform Requirements? are found in the 2013-14 NFHS Basketball Rules Book. They are detailed in Section 4 of Rule 3 and are found on pages 23-24

RULE 3 ? PLAYER EQUIPMENT
SECTION 1 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

SECTION 4 UNIFORMS

ART. 1 ?. Team jersey color and design shall adhere to the following:
a. The torso of the team jersey shall be the same single solid color for all team members.
b. The torso is the portion of the jersey from an imaginary line at the base of the neckline extending to each armhole, down to the bottom hem of the jersey and from side seam/insert to side seam/insert. The imaginary line at the base of the neckline shall not extend beyond 1 ? inches from the lowest point of the neckline apex/opening.
c. The torso color shall be white for the home team and a contrasting dark color for the visiting team.
NOTE: It is recommended that the dark torso color for the visiting team be the darker color of the school?s color scheme or black.
d. There are no color/design restrictions in the area of the team jersey from the imaginary line at the base of the neckline to the top of the shoulder and in the corresponding area on the back of the jersey.
e. Side inserts, including trim/piping/accent color(s), shall be no more than 4 inches in width (2 inches on each side of seam) of any color(s) or design, centered vertically below the armpit. Side inserts for all team jersey shall be the same width.
f. Trim, piping or an accent color differing from the torso color shall not exceed 1 inch around the arm openings, except as in item d above.
ART. 2 ?.Logos/flags/patches shall adhere to the following:
a. A visible manufacturer?s logo/trademark/reference is permitted on the team jersey, not to exceed 2 ? square inches with no dimension more than 2 ? inches. The manufacturer?s logo may be located no more than 5 inches below the shoulder seam on the front of the jersey, or 2 inches from the neckline on the back of the jersey; or in either side insert.
b. The American flag may be worn anywhere on the team jersey provided it does not exceed 2 x 3 inches and does not interfere with the visibility of the player?s number.
c. One commemorative/memorial patch may be worn on the jersey. The patch shall not exceed 4 square inches, shall not be a number and must be located above the neckline or in the side insert.
d. A school or conference logo/mascot may be located at the apex/opening of the neckline or above it, in the corresponding area on the back of the jersey and/or in either side insert.
ART. 3 ?.Numbers shall adhere to the following:
a. Team jerseys shall include the team member?s number, which shall be at least 6 inches high on the back and at least 4 inches high on the front and not less than ? inch in width excluding the border.
b. The number(s) shall be centered vertically and horizontally on the portion of the jersey that is intended to be visible.
c. The number(s) on the front and back of the team jersey shall be the same color and style.
d. Each team member shall be numbered on the front and back of the team jersey with plain Arabic numerals. The following numbers are legal: 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. A team member list shall not have both numbers 0 and 00.

e. No more than three colors may be used on the number. The style of the number must be clearly visible and conform to one of the following:
1. A solid contrasting color with no more than two solid color ?-inch borders around the entire number. If the team jersey color is used as a border, it must be counted as one of the allowed colors.
2. The team jersey color itself when bordered with not more than two ?-inch solid border(s) contrasting with the team jersey color.
3. A solid contrasting color with a ?shadow? trim of a contrasting color on part of the number not to exceed ? inch in width and may be used with one ?-inch border.

ART. 4 ?.Identifying name(s) shall adhere to the following:
a. If used, lettering with team names and/or abbreviations or team member?s names must be placed horizontally on the jersey.
b. Lettering above a number may be arched, but the first and last letters must be on the same horizontal plane, such plane shall not be below a plane extending through the top of the number(s).
c. Lettering below a number must have the first and last letters on the same horizontal plane and said plane shall not be above a plan extending through the bottom of the number(s).
d. Any point on any letter shall not be closer than one inch to any point on any number(s).
e. Any form of decorative accent (e.g., paw, halo, crown, star) in an identifying name or abbreviation is only permitted if the name or abbreviation is located above the number.
f. If a tail is used in the lettering of an identifying name or abbreviation, the name or abbreviation must be located below the number.
ART. 5 ?.Uniform pants/skirts shall have only one visible manufacturer?s logo/trademark/reference. See 3-6-2 for size requirements.

Please refer to NFHS Basketball Rules 3-5, 3-6 and 3-7 for information on Player Equipment and additional apparel such as headbands, wristbands, undershirts and compression shorts.

BOWLING
All players must wear the same sleeved, bowling shirt which conforms to school/OHSAA regulations. At a minimum the shirt must have the name of the school or school nickname as identified in the OHSAA School Directory on the back. The name of the school or school nickname must be at least 1 inch in height. All bowlers must wear the same color pants. No jeans or cotton sweat pants are permitted. If nylon warm-ups are worn, they must be worn by the entire team and be identical in style and color. Girls are permitted to wear skirts and/or shorts provided the skirts/shorts are of the same color as the pants and are no shorter than the end of the bowler?s index finger when standing. Girls uniforms may be mixed. Pants should be worn at waist level and not sag or touch the floor. Cargo, capris, yoga pants and painter pants are not permitted. Headbands, if worn, must be of a solid color, bear no markings and be the same color for each team member. It is not necessary for all members of a team to wear a headband. Manufacturer logos (Nike, Adidas, etc.) are permitted but not Bowling Center logos. See General Sports Regulations regarding permissibility and size of manufacturer?s and other (patriotic) logos. Currently there is no necessity to have a number on an individual bowler?s uniform. Conferences/Leagues may have their own requirements.

CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK AND FIELD
Uniforms must be worn as intended by the manufacturer.
The complete cross country and track and field uniform consists of shoes, school-issued track bottoms and full-length track top (singlet) or one piece uniform. Bare midriff tops are not acceptable. The top must hang below or be tucked into the waistband of the bottoms when the competitor is standing erect. Any visible shirt worn under the top and other visible apparel worn under the bottom must be unadorned and of a single (and the same) color. A visible garment worn under the uniform top displaying contrasting stitching to the single, solid color of the undergarment and functions as the actual seam for the undergarment’s construction is legal. Visible items worn under both the top and the bottom do not have to the same color. The top and bottom may have school identification, and the top may have the competitor?s name. The top shall not be knotted. Also a single manufacturer’s logo or trade name(no more than 2 ? square inches in size with no dimension exceeding 2 ? inches) is permissible per each item of uniform apparel. The American flag may be worn on the uniform and shall not exceed 2″ x 3″. Bottoms may vary in length and style, but must be the same color for all team members.
In relay races in track and field and in cross country team competition, each team member shall wear the same color and design school uniform (top and bottom or one piece uniform). Any visible shirt worn under the top and other visible apparel worn under the bottom must be unadorned and of the same color for all teammates choosing to wear it.
A shoe is a covering for the foot having an upper and a definitely recognizable sole and heel. The upper must be designed so that is can be securely fastened to the foot by laces or velcro. Track spikes may not exceed 1/2 inch in length measured from the sole to the tip of the spike. Unless deemed unsuitable by meet management, track spikes up to one inch in length may be used for cross country competition. The use of slippers or socks does not meet the requirements of the rule.
In Ohio, high school track and field and cross country competitors are required to wear the school-issued jersey with the number permanently attached to the back of the jersey. The numerals shall be plain Arabic numerals of a contrasting color with the jersey color and must be a minimum of 4″ in height. Matching numbers may be attached to the front. Each school is assigned a range of numbers that may be used.
Contestants shall not wear jewelry with the exception of religious or medical medals. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert medal should be visible. When the medical medal is attached: 1) to a bracelet made of metal or an unyielding material, it shall be taped to the body; 2) to a bracelet made of a pliable material, it is not required to be taped to the body; 3) to a necklace, it shall be taped to the body.
A watch may be worn around the wrist. Unadorned devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, no longer than 2 inches, may be worn to control a competitor?s hair.
(PENALTY: For an illegal uniform, when a violation is observed and noted by a meet official, the competitor shall be required to make the uniform legal before becoming eligible for further competition, and shall be issued a warning that a subsequent violation shall result in a disqualification from the event. For illegal equipment/jewelry, the competitor shall be required to remove the jewelry before further competition, and be issued a warning that a subsequent violation shall result in disqualification from the event.
The ultimate responsibility to have each competitor compliant with uniform and jewelry rules is with the coach.

FIELD HOCKEY
Members of each team shall be dressed uniformly except the goalkeeper. The uniform top shall have clearly visible numbers on the front and back. The numbers shall be of a solid color contrasting to any surrounding colors. It is required that the numbers on the front be 3-6? in height and 6-8? on the back. Any number from 00-99 is legal. A team may not use both 0 and 00. Three digit numbers and duplicate numbers on players of the same team are not permitted. Players are permitted to wear solid color undergarments, either short-sleeved or long-sleeved. Undergarments, if worn, shall be white for the home team, and black or dark for the visiting team. All players on the same team who choose to wear an undergarment must wear the same color.

The following are the color requirements for the jersey/top:
a. The home team shall wear single solid white uniform tops front and back on the torso, and the visiting team shall wear single solid black or dark-colored uniform tops front and back on the torso. The ?torso? is the portion of the top from an imaginary horizontal line at the base of the neckline extending to each armhole/sleeve, down to the bottom helm of the top and from side seam to side seam.
b. Team names and/or abbreviations may be placed on the front or back of the jersey/top.
c. Lettering must be placed horizontally and may be arched. Names may also be on multiple lines.
d. The first and last letters, either above or below the number, must be on the same horizontal plane. When above the number, the plane may not be below a plane extending through the top of the number(s). When below the number, the plane may not be above a plane extending through the bottom of the number(s).
e. Any point on any letter shall not be closer than one inch to any point on any number(s).
f. Any form of decorative accent (i.e. paw, halo, crown, star, etc.) in a name or abbreviation is only permitted above the number. If a tail is used in the lettering of an identifying name or abbreviation, the name or abbreviation must be located below the number.
g. There are no restrictions in the area of the jersey/top from an imaginary horizontal line at the base of the neckline extending to each armhole/sleeve, up to the shoulder seam.
h. Different colors and/or designs may be used in this area.
Neckline and Armhole-Sleeve Trim Requirements
i. Trim shall not exceed 1 inch around the neck and arm openings.
j. Side inserts must be centered vertically below the armpit.
k. The width of the side inserts, including trim, must be a maximum of 4 inches (2 inches on each side of the seam).
l. The style/design of the side insert may be of any color or design. Side inserts must be the same width for all team jerseys. Commemorative/memorial patches not to exceed 4 square inches with the state association approval may be worn in this area or above the neckline
m. An American flag may be worn anywhere on the team jersey provided it does not exceed 2×5? and does not interfere with the visibility of the number.
n. One manufacturer?s logo/trademark or reference not to exceed 2? square inches in any dimension is permitted on the outside of each item. The manufacturer?s logo/trademark restriction includes company reference.

Individual players may wear mittens/gloves and knitted hats as well as full-length, solid-colored warm up pants/tights provided the knee-length socks/sock guards are visible. All players on the team shall wear like-colored warm up pants. Players shall not wear any other undergarment that extends below the uniform bottom. Note; All players on a team shall wear the same color compression shorts, undershirt and/or warm-up pants. Knee-length, solid-colored socks/sock guards (not rolled down) are required for all players. The home team shall wear white or light colored socks/sock guards and the visiting team shall wear contrasting dark-colored socks/sock guards.

The goalkeeper shall wear a uniform top of a color contrasting to the color of the uniform tops of both teams and shall have a visible number. She shall wear field hockey goalie pads, not to exceed 12 inches in width per pad) frontal view) and goalie shoes or kickers. Goalkeepers shall wear a full face/cage mask-helmet which covers the entire head including the back of the head (cage must be rounded at all points), chest protector specifically manufactured for field hockey worn under the shirt and field hockey goalie gloves which shall have separate fingers without webbing and shall not exceed 8 inches in width when lying flat. It is legal for the goalkeeper to wear foam hand protectors that are no more than 9 inches wide and 14 inches in length. Chest protectors that provide additional coverage may also be worn. Mask helmets shall not have a hard, visor-type protrusion that extends beyond the cage. A wrap-around style throat protector is required. Goalkeeper shall wear a mouth protector which may be attached to the face mask/helmet.

Field players may wear a face mask provided it is made of fiberglass or plastic and is molded to face and soft headgear.

Tooth protectors for all players shall be of a readily visible color other than white or clear.

All field players shall wear eye protection which meets current ASTM standards for field hockey.

FOOTBALL
SECTION 5 PLAYER EQUIPMENT
NOTE: As mentioned in Section 5, under Player Equipment, NOCSAE refers to the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, while SGMA refers to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association.
ART. 1?Mandatory equipment. Each player shall participate while wearing the following pieces of properly fitted equipment, which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease protection:
a. Helmet and Face Mask:
1. A helmet and face mask which met the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture. The face mask shall have a surface covered with resilient material designed to prevent chipping, burrs or abrasiveness and be properly secured to the helmet as designed by the manufacturer.
2. The helmet shall be secured by a properly fastened chin strap with at least four attachment points.
NOTE: All players shall wear helmets that carry a warning label regarding the risk of injury and a manufacturer?s or reconditioner?s certification indicating satisfaction of NOCSAE test standards. All such reconditioned helmets shall show recertification to indicate satisfaction with the NOCSAE test standard. The coach?s pregame verification to the referee and umpire that all players are properly equipped in compliance with the rules includes the exterior warning label.
b. Jersey:
1. A jersey, unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production, and which shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants and shall be tucked in if longer.
2. Players of the visiting team shall wear jerseys, unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production, that meet the following criteria: The body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey) shall be white and shall contain only the listed allowable adornments and accessory patterns in a color(s) that contrasts to white:
(a) as the jersey number(s) required in 1-5-1c or as the team and/or player name within the body and/or on the shoulders,
(b) either as a decorative stripe placed during production that follows the curve of the raglan sleeve or following the shoulder seam in traditional yoke construction, not to exceed 1 inch at any point within the body of the jersey; or as decorative stripe(s) added in the shoulder area after production, not to exceed 1 inch per stripe and total size of combined stripes not to exceed 3.5 inches,
(c) within the collar, a maximum of 1 inch in width, and/or
(d) as a side seam (insert connecting the back of the jersey to the front), a maximum of 4 inches in width but any non-white color may not appear within the body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey). The exception to (d) would be what is stated in (b) above.
(e) The visiting team is responsible for avoidance of similarity of colors, but if there is doubt, the referee may require players of the home team to change jerseys.
NOTE: An American flag, not to exceed 2 by 3 inches, and either a commemorative or memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches and with written state association approval, may be worn on the jersey provided neither the flag nor the patch interferes with the visibility of the number.
3. Players of the home team shall wear jerseys, unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production, that meet the following criteria: The body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey) may not include white, except as stated below. If white appears in the body of the jersey of the home team, it may only appear:
(a) as the jersey number(s) required in 1-5-1c or as the team and/or player name within the body and/or on the shoulders.
(b) either as a decorative stripe placed during production that follows the curve of the raglan sleeve or following the shoulder seam in traditional yoke construction, not to exceed 1 inch at any point within the body of the jersey; or as decorative stripe(s) added in the shoulder area after production, not to exceed 1 inch per stripe and total size of combined stripes not to exceed 3.5 inches,
(c) within the collar, a maximum of 1 inch in width, and/or
(d) as a side seam (insert connecting the back of the jersey to the front), a maximum of 4 inches in width but any white color may not appear within the body of the jersey (inside the shoulders, inclusive of the yoke of the jersey or the shoulders, below the collar, and to the bottom of the jersey). The exception to (d) would be what is stated in (b) above.
(e) The visiting team is responsible for avoidance of similarity of colors, but if there is doubt, the referee may require players of the home to change jerseys.
NOTE: An American flag, not to exceed 2 by 3 inches, and either a commemorative or memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches and with written state association approval, may be worn on the jersey provided neither the flag nor the patch interferes with the visibility of the number.
c. Numbers
1. The numbers shall be clearly visible and legible using Arabic numbers 1-99 inclusive and shall be on the front and back of the jersey.
2. The numbers shall be centered horizontally at least 8 inches and 10 inches high on the front and back, respectively, and with continuous bars or strokes approximately 1?-inches wide.
3. The color and style of the number shall be the same on the front and back.
4. The body of the number shall be either:
(a) a continuous color(s) contrasting with the jersey color, or
(b) the same solid color(s) as the jersey with a minimum of one border that is at least ?-inch in width of a single solid contrasting color.
d. Pads and Protective Equipment ? The following pads and protective equipment are required of all players:
1. Hip pads and tailbone protector which are unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production.
2. Knee pads which are unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production, which are worn over the knee and under the pants and shall be at least ? inch thick or 3/8 inch thick if made of shock absorbing material.
3. Shoulder pads and hard surface auxiliary attachments, which shall be fully covered by a jersey.
4. Thigh guards which are unaltered from the manufacturer?s original design/production.
5. A tooth and mouth protector (intraoral) which shall include an occlusal (Protecting and separating the biting surfaces) and a labial (protecting the teeth and supporting structures) portion and covers the posterior teeth with adequate thickness. It is recommended the protector be properly fitted and:
(a) Constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual?s teeth, or
(b) Constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing the teeth into the tooth and mouth protector itself.
(c) The tooth and mouth protector shall be of any readily visible color, and may not be:
(1) completely white; or
(2) completely clear.
e. Pants which completely cover the knees, thigh guards and knee pads and any portion of any knee brace that does not extend below the pants.
f. Shoes which shall be made of a material which covers the foot (canvas, leather or synthetic) and attached to a firm sole of leather, rubber or composition material. Shoes may have cleats or may be cleatless. Among the items which do not meet these requirements are gymnastic slippers, tennis shoes cut so protection is reduced, ski and logger boots and other apparel not intended for football use:
1. Removable cleats shall conform to the following specifications:
(a) Constructed of material which does not chip or develop a cutting edge.
(b) Legal cleat material includes leather, nylon, rubber and non metallic polymers that will not chip or develop a cutting edge while functioning as a cleat. Cleats may be tipped with a steele material hardened to a Rockwell hardness approximately C55 to a depth of .005-.008 while minimizing the risk of brittle failure of the tip component, in its entirety, including any shafts or threads that may be a part of the tip.
(c) The base and the tip of the clear shall be parallel.
(d) The free end of the cleat may be rounded in an arc with a radius of not less than 7/16 inch provided the overall length is not more than ? inch measured from the tip of the cleat to the sole of the shoe.
(e) The cleat may be attached to a raised platform which is molded to the shoe. The platform may be no more than 5/32 inch in height and must be wider than the base of the cleat. The widest part of the cleat must be in direct contact with the platform. The 5/32-inch raised platform must be wider than the base of the cleat and must extent across the width of the sole to within ? inch or less of the outer edges of the sole.
(f) A single toe cleat does not require a raised platform that extends across the width of the sole. The raised platform of the toe cleat is limited to 5/31 inch or less.
(g) The 5/31-inch platform is measured from the lowest point of the platform to the sole of the shoe.
(h) An effective locking device which prevents the exposure of metal posts shall be incorporated.
(i) The cleat wall shall be at least 3/16 inch in diameter.
(j) The sides of the cleat shall taper uniformly from a minimum base of ? inch in diameter to a minimum tip of 3/8 inch in diameter.
2. Nonremovable cleats are limited to studs or projections that do not exceed ? inch in length measured from the sole of the shoe to the tip of the clear and which are made with nonabrasive rubber or rubber-type synthetic material that does not have or develop a cutting edge.
ART 2?The following auxiliary equipment may be worn if sanctioned by the umpire as being soft, nonabrasive, nonhardening material:
a. Forearm pads, which may be anchored on each end with athletic tape.
b. Through the 2012 season, gloves and hand pads, which may be anchored with athletic tape. Gloves, even though modified, must have (unless made of unaltered plain cloth:
1. A securely attached label or stamp (NFHS/NCAA specifications) indicating compliance with test specifications on file with the SGMA as of January 1, 1994, or
2. A permanent, exact replica of the NOCSAE glove seal (Meets NOCSAE Standard), that must be visible and appear legibly on the exterior wrist opening of the glove.
Beginning with the 2013 season, gloves, which may be anchored with athletic tape, and even though modified, must meet the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture, unless made of unaltered plain cloth.
NOTES:
1. A glove is a covering for the hand having separate sections for each finger. Pads worn on the hand, but not having separate sections encircling at least part of any finger are not gloves. The thumb is not considered a finger.
2. Non-athletic gloves, worn solely for warmth and made of unaltered plain cloth, and which do not enhance contact with the ball, do not require a label or stamp indicating compliance.
c. Tape, bandage or support wrap on the hand or forearm to protect an existing injury.
EXCEPTION: Tape, bandage or support wrap(s) not to exceed three thicknesses are legal without inspection or approval.

ART. 3?Illegal equipment. No player shall participate while wearing illegal equipment. This applies to any equipment, which in the opinion of the umpire is dangerous, confusing or inappropriate. Illegal equipment shall always include but is not limited to:
a. The following items related to the Game Uniform:
1. Jerseys and pants that have:
(a) A visible logo/trademark or reference exceeding 2? square inches and exceeding 2? inches in any
dimension.
(b) More than one manufacturer?s logo/trademark or reference on the outside of either item. (The same size
restriction shall apply to either the manufacturer?s logo/trademark or reference).
(c) Sizing, garment care or other nonlogo labels on the outside of either item.
2. Slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment, towel, uniform, opponent or on an exposed part
of the body which affects the ball or an opponent.
3. Tear-away jerseys or jerseys that have been altered in any manner that produces a knot-like protrusion or creates a tear-away jersey.
4. Any transverse stripe on the sleeve below the elbow.
5. Uniform adornments, with the exception of:
(a) One unmarked moisture-absorbing towel, that is not ball or penalty blog-colored, which shall be no less than 4 inches in width and 12 inches in length and no greater than 18 inches in width and 36 inches in length; has no more than one visible manufacturer?s logo/trademark reference that does not exceed 2? square inches; and if worn by any player, must be the same solid color for all players wearing towels; or
(b) Moisture-absorbing sweatbands, when worn on the wrist beginning at the base of the thumb and extending no more than 3 inches toward the elbow.
a. The following items related to Pads and Padding:
1. Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, etc.) on the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, or upper arm unless padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than 1/2? thick.
2. Knee and ankle braces which are altered from the manufacturer?s original design/production.
NOTE: Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered do not require any additional padding.
3. Knee braces worn over the pants.
4. Plastic material covering protective pads whose edges are not rounded with a radius equal to half the thickness of the plastic.
5. Rib pads and back protectors unless fully covered by a jersey.
6. Shin guards that do not meet NOCSAE specifications.
The following Other Illegal Equipment:
1. Ball-colored helmets, jerseys, patches, exterior arm covers/pads, undershirts or gloves.
2. Communication devices, other than those permitted in Rule 1-6-1 and Rule 1-6-2.
3. Eye shade (grease or no-glare strips or stickers) that is not a solid stroke or includes words, numbers, logos or other symbols within the eye shade.
4. Eyeshield attached to the helmet that is not:
(a) Constructed of a molded rigid material; or
(b) Clear without the presence of any tint.
5. Jerseys, undershirts or exterior arm covers/pads manufactured to enhance contact with the football or
opponent.
6. Jewelry. Religious and medical alert medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and
worn under the uniform. A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be visible.
7. Metal which is projecting or other hard substance on clothes or person.
8. Play cards not worn on the wrist or arm.
9. Equipment not worn as intended by the manufacturer.

ART. 4?Prior to the start of the game, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying to the referee and umpire that all of his players are legally equipped and in compliance with these rules. Any questions regarding legality of a player?s equipment shall be resolved by the umpire.
ART. 5?When any required player equipment is missing or when illegal equipment is found, correction shall be made before participation. An official?s time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of equipment which becomes illegal or defective through use. (See 3-5-2b, 5b and 7e)
ART. 6?Each player shall properly wear the mandatory equipment while the ball is live.
PENALTY: Unsportsmanlike conduct (Arts. 2, 3, 5) ? (S27) ? 15 yards. See 9-8-1h. Failure to properly wear required equipment during a down ) Art. 6 ? (S27, S23) ? 5 yards. See 3-6-2d for failure to properly wear required equipment when the ball is about to become live.

GOLF
Utilize OHSAA Uniform Regulation (see page 1).

GIRLS GYMNASTICS
Utilize the OHSAA Uniform Regulation (page 1). In accordance with USA Gymnastics rules, acceptable attire is a one piece leotard with no bare midriff. The leg cut of the leotard must be below the pelvis bone. Sleeveless leotards are not considered incorrect attire. For team competition, all members of the team shall compete in like-colored uniforms. Gymnasts shall not wear jewelry.

ICE HOCKEY
Utilize the OHSAA Uniform Regulation (page 1). Refer to National Federation Rules Book for specific equipment requirements.

SOCCER
4.1.1(b) The home team shall wear white or light jerseys and socks and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Beginning with the 2013 fall season, the home team shall wear solid white jerseys and solid white socks, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and socks. Prior to and during the game, jerseys shall be tucked into the shorts, unless manufactured to be worn outside.
4.1.1(i)(1) All jerseys, except those worn by goalkeepers, shall be numbered on the back with a different Arabic number at least 6 inches in height and on the front (jersey or shorts) with the same number which shall be at least 4 inches in height. Numbers shall be of contrasting color to the jersey (or shorts) and clearly visible.
4.1.1(i)(1) (Continued) Beginning with the 2012 fall season, all jerseys shall be numbered on the back with a different Arabic number at least 6 inches in height and on the front (jersey or shorts) with the same number which shall be at least 4 inches in height. Numbers shall be of contrasting color to the jersey (or shorts) and clearly visible.
4.1.1(i)(2) Only those names, patches, emblems, logos or insignias referencing the school are permitted on the team uniform, except as in 4.1.1(d), -(f) and ?(g). The player?s name may also appear on the team uniform.

SOFTBALL
A uniform shall not have any dangerous or reflective buttons or ornaments. A pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm or thighs, which may, in the umpire?s judgment, be distracting to the batter. A number of on the back of each player?s jersey is required and shall be at least 6 inches high. The number must be of solid color contrasting with the color of the shirt. The numbers may have a contrasting color border, which shall not exceed ? inch. No players on the same team shall wear identical numbers (0 and 00 are considered the same number). Players shall wear/utilize uniforms/equipment properly and as designed by the manufacturer.

Shoes are required equipment. All players must wear shoes with plastic, nylon, canvas, leather or similar synthetic material uppers. The soles may be smooth, have soft or hard rubber cleats or rectangular metal cleats. Metal cleats shall not extend beyond ? inch from the sole and shall not be round. Shoes with detachable rubber or metal cleats that screw into the sole of the shoes are permitted.

Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces (including cloth or string types) or other hard cosmetic or decorative items. Religious and medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform.

See the NFHS Softball Rules Book for Uniform Regulations.

SWIMMING AND DIVING
Art. 3?Suits worn by swimmers shall be limited to the following requirements:
a. Only one swimsuit shall be permitted in competition. (A swimmer with special needs may request customization through his/her school to the state association.)
b. The swimsuit shall be:
1. Constructed of a women/knit textile material;
2. Permeable (100 percent to air and water)
3. Made so as not to aid in buoyancy and shall not be altered to aid in buoyancy;
4. Made with no zippers or other fastening system other than a waist tie for a brief or jammer and elastic material within the casing/ribbing in the terminal ends (straps, let openings, and waist openings);
5. Constructed so that the style/shape of the suit for males shall not extend above the waist not below the top of the kneecap and for females shall not extend beyond the shoulders not below the top of the kneecap, nor cover the neck.
c. Swimsuits may have a FINA marking.

TENNIS
All team members must wear a school uniform or tennis uniform, preferably in school colors. Any lettering or pictures on clothing and/or headgear must pertain to the school name or emblem, the student?s name or be patriotic in nature. No phrases, quotes, or ?slogans? shall be permitted. Manufacturer?s names or logos are permitted provided they do not exceed one and a half inches in height. Girls have the option of tennis dress or school uniform. ?Doubles? team players shall wear like color tops. Any visible undergarments that extend below the uniform shorts, dress, or skirt shall be the same color of the shorts, dress or skirt or represent school colors or, be white or black. ?Reflective? or clothing deemed distractive shall not be permitted. This dress code shall be enforced by the home coach or tournament director. Failure to comply will result in a player being denied the right to participate.

VOLLEYBALL
Art. 1?All teammates on a team shall wear:
a. Like-colored uniforms consisting of shirts and shorts, pants or skirts, in one or two pieces, with the exception of the libero whose uniform shall meet the requirements in 4-2-2;
b. Uniforms that are free of hard and unyielding items) buttons, zippers, snaps, fasteners, etc.);
c. Uniforms, which may include compression shorts that are unadorned and of a single color similar to the predominant color of the uniform bottom/
d. Uniforms as intended by the manufacturer, and have the following restrictions:
1. Bare midriff tops are not allowed.
2. The uniform top must hang below or be tucked into the waistband of the uniform bottom when the player is standing upright.
e. Uniforms in the playing area. Removal of any part of the uniform is unsporting conduct.
Art. 2?The libero shall wear a uniform top that is immediately recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast to and distinct from the other members of the team. The primary color of the libero?s uniform top must be different from any color that appears on more than 25 percent of the body of teammates? uniform tops. In determining the body of the uniforms, the sleeves and collar should be ignored. The libero uniform shall have a legal number. The style and trim of the libero?s uniform top may differ from teammates? uniforms, but the shorts must be like-colored to teammates.
Note: Beginning July 1, 2016, the libero shall wear a uniform top that is immediately recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast to and distinct from the other members of the team. The libero and/or his/her teammates shall wear a solid-colored uniform top. Regarding the solid-colored top:
a. The solid-colored uniform top shall clearly contrast from the predominant color(s) or the teammates? uniform top. Predominant color(s) is the color(s) appearing on approximately half of the uniform.
b. Sleeves shall be the same color as the body of the uniform top.
c. Piping/trim not exceeding 1 inch in total at its widest point may be placed along the seams and may be a different color(s) than the uniform top.
d. Lettering and collars may be different color(s) than the uniform top.
e. Numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in Rule 2-2-4.
Art. 3?Each player, including the libero, shall be identified by a number on the uniform top which is not a duplicate of a teammate?s number.
Art. 4?The number shall be:
a. Permanent and clearly visible.
b. Not more than two digits (00, 0-99);
c. A plain, Arabic numeral of a solid color, where either the body of the number (measuring not less than ? inch in width at its narrowest point) or the surrounding solid color(s) of trim (a contrasting border not to exceed ? inch in width at its widest point) is a color that is in sharp contrast to the color of the uniform top. A shadow on part of the number not to exceed ? inch at its widest point is permitted but shall not be used to make the number clearly visible regardless of color;
d. Located on the upper front and back of the uniform top;
e. At least 4 inches tall on the front of the top and at least 6 inches tall on the back of the top;
f. Placed so the top of the number on the front of the uniform is no more than 5 inches down from the shoulder seam; or placed so the number if centered no more than 5 inches below the bottom edge of any neckline ribbing, placket or seams on the uniform top.
Art. 5?If a visible number is worn on the uniform bottom, it shall be the same number as on the uniform top.
Art. 6?Appropriate playing shoes shall be worn.
Art. 7?Any visible garment (t-short, body suits and other similar garments) worn underneath the uniform top shall be unadorned and of a single, solid color that is similar in color to the predominant color of the uniform top. As per NSHF rules, a single visible manufacturer?s logo and/or single school name or insignia no more than 2? inches are permitted on the undergarment.
Art. 8 Players shall not wear undergarments or tights which extend below the uniform bottom.

WRESTLING
ART. 1?Wrestlers shall wear:
a. a one-piece singlet cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and the belt line. All female wrestlers must wear a tight-fitting, short-sleeved or sleeveless undershirt of a single, solid color unadorned with no more than one manufacturer?s logo/trademark/reference under the one-piece singlet;
b. either full-length tights, with stirrups, and close fitting outside short trunks or a properly cut one-piece uniform with a minimum 4-inch inseam and a maximum length of above the knee;
c. a singlet with the top cut as outlined in (a) with full-length tights and stirrups. The uniform shall be a school issued uniform.
Full-length tights with stirrups are acceptable under a one-piece uniform. Any other undergarment that extends beyond the inseam of a one-piece uniform shall be a tight-fitting, single solid color, unadorned and shall not extend below the knee.
ART. 2?Any manufacturer?s logo/trademark/reference that appears on the wrestling uniform, including legal hair covering can be no more than 2? square inches with no dimension more than 2? inches and may appear no more than once on each item of uniform apparel. An American flag, not to exceed 2 by 3 inches, and either a commemorative or memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches and with written state association approval, may be worn.
ART. 3?Wrestlers shall wear light heelless wrestling shoes, reaching above the ankles. If the laces are visible, they shall be secured in an acceptable fashion.
ART. 4?Wrestlers shall wear wrestling ear guards, which provide:
a. adequate ear protection;
b. no injury hazard to the opponent; and
c. an adjustable locking device to prevent it from coming off or turning on the wrestler?s head.
ART. 5?The uniform shall be worn as intended/designed by the manufacturer.

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