Rules regarding jewelry

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At this point, I need to reiterate the rules regarding jewelry. It is a National Federation of High School Sports (NHFS) rule that athletes in any sport are not to wear jewelry at any time including practices, games and performances. The NFHS has recently reiterated that on the front page of the Spirit (cheers and poms) section of their website. See the following link. (Look under "Points of Emphasis" at the bottom of the link:)

http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=4000

Copied here for your convenience:

"Jewelry – Spirit coaches are expected to follow the rules written for the safety of all participants of cheerleading and dance. The spirit rules regarding jewelry (2-2-1 and 3-1-2) apply to all spirit activities, which includes both practices and performance events. It is the coach’s responsibility to teach and enforce this rule before it becomes an issue. Recent fashion trends have coaches and participants questioning this simple ruling with unnecessary challenges. With the exception of religious and medical medals, examples of jewelry include, but are not limited to: necklaces, bracelets, rings, all facial and body piercings (includes spacers and fishing line), wrist bands, corsages, and hair ties on wrists. This rule is consistent with rules concerning jewelry in the NFHS rule books for other athletic activities. “No jewelry” means NO JEWELRY."




At Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned events, like the State Championships in Cheer and Poms, a team will be severely penalized for any jewelry infraction. A team was brought down from the top 5 to the bottom 10 (over 20 positions) because one cheerleader had a hair band on her wrist. Jewelry is taken very seriously.

The NFHS rule book states the following: Section 2-2-1:

"Jewelry must not be worn except for religious or medical medals, which shall be taped to the body (without a chain) under the uniform."

CHSSA is strict at competitions and does not allow jewelry to be taped, bandaged or otherwise covered. It must be removed.

This rule is also in the Monarch High School Cheerleading contract, and always has been. The Monarch Contract, signed by girls and their parents, reads:

" No visible tattoos, earrings, necklaces, nose rings or other body piercings are permitted in uniform or at practices. This is a rule set forth by the National Federation of High School Spirit, and also enforced by the Colorado High School Athletic Assn."

It is also on the "Summary of Uniform and Practice Rules" section of the contract, which we went over line by line with the girls at practice.

"While in Monarch Cheerleading Uniform, at practices or any team events:"
"No jewelry or rubber bands on wrists"
"No navel or other piercings showing at any time"

This has been covered, and the girls should be aware. We have been allowing them to tape their fresh piercings at practices, but this will not be allowed at camp, games, competitions, appearances, pep rallies, or any performance. They will need to be removed. Closed loop jewelry like hoop earrings, nose rings, etc. cannot be taped. They are dangerous no matter what.

As a certified cheerleading coach, I am required to enforce these rules with the team.

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