2002 Jewelry & Uniform Rule - Update


Hank,
        FYI, here's the text of updates on jewelry and uniform rules:

Jewelry rule - Hal's (Harkness) suggestion was that State Associations or Federated
Councils handle this. There was not a great deal of support for this. The
National Federation Board of Directors wants all sports to be consistent in
enforcement of rules. It is a difficult rule with body piercings, rings,
etc. Hal thought the way to go this year would be to stop worrying about
Girls' hair (with control issues that may involve jewelry - a baret or
bobby-pin). Rings, ear-rings, necklaces are out, and there is not way we can
get around this rule. Visible body piercings are out, and if it becomes
visible during competition (jersey flying up and belly-button jewelry
showing) it becomes an issue. 

Uniforms - new definition of girls shorts. The "bun-hugger" is a closed
legged brief/short that is okay for girls, with hope that there will be up
to a 5" extension allowed on these. Await editorial change in future here. 
Shirt - needs to be tucked in. Many girls' uniforms are tucked over the
short top. Once the competition begins the national rules committee does not
care what happens once the race starts as long as they start at the line
with no stomach showing. Safety pins will not be needed this year to hold
shirts to shorts. 

To sum up:
- anything in the hair is OK, but everything else isn't
- bun huggers are ok
- uniform tops just need to be tucked in and cover the stomach BEFORE THE
START OF COMPETITION.  Whatever happens during competition doesn't matter.

Hope this makes things easier.

-ernie.