North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

No one likes being the uniform police, but please understand this is part of our job and we must enforce these rules just like any other. We must all be consistent in the enforcement of these rules on a nightly basis for the credibility of our chapter and your fellow officials.
Some questions that have come up regarding uniforms include:

A coach has asked about his players wearing wristbands/sweatbands like those worn by a football quarterback with the plastic on them where they can have plays in them. Is this legal or not?

Not legal per rule 3-5-3 which states wristbands and headwear shall meet the following guidelines...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. Rule 3-5-3 also states that wristbands and headbands shall be white, black, beige or a single solid school color and shall be the same color for each item and all participants.

Do compression arm sleeves have to adhere to a certain color restriction similar to the wristband rule?
Yes they follow the same restrictions as wristbands as per 3-5-3 stated above. In addition, compression sleeves must be worn for medical purposes only. To obtain medical permission, the rule book does not specify that a medical note is needed to allow the arm sleeve. The best way to handle this is to ask the head coach if the player is wearing an arm sleeve for medical reasons. If the coach says yes, then allow the player to wear it, regardless of how many players are wearing them. As long as the head coach says it is for medical purposes for each player, we have to allow it.

Additionally, several officials have asked if numbers are allowed on the compression sleeves. If the number is hand written, then the answer is no. Rule 3-5-4 states that equipment and apparel shall not be modified from the original manufactured state. Furthermore, rule 3-6-1,2 states that one visible manufactures logo/trademark/reference or school logo/mascot is permitted on wristbands, headband and compression shirts as long as the size of the logo is limited to 2 ¼ square inches and shall not exceed 2 ¼ inches in any dimension on any item. Although this rule does not specifically mention arm sleeves, the UIL has stated it falls into this category.

Can a player wear long sleeve undershirts?
Yes. Rule 3-5-5 states 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. A visible manufactures logo/trademark/reference is not permitted on the undershirt.

Can a player wear leg warmers during a game?
No. Rule 3-5-6 states that compression shorts/tights shall be a single solid color similar to the predominant color of the pants; the length shall be above the knee. Undergarments shall not extend below the pants.

We are often asked if tattoos have to be covered? The UIL has sent out the following information about tattoos:
Tattoos are a matter of District Policy and should be enforced by the coaches unless it is vulgar. There is nothing in the NFHS to be enforced by officials. The coaches must take that to their District Coordinator. If the tattoo is vulgar then take appropriate action to get it covered up with an undershirt or socks if the tattoo is on the leg. If the player or coach refuses to cooperate, allow them to play, but please send an email to myself and Javier so we can forward it onto the UIL so they can take the appropriate action.

In regards to hair control devices, please work with the players as there is a distinction between hair control devices and headbands. Per rule 3.5.3b, the definition of a headband is any item that goes around the entire head. 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. A headband is a traditional moisture absorbing band. This is different than a hair band.

Rule 3.5.3d states 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. There are no color restrictions on hair control devices unless they go around they entire head. If, for example, pre-wrap goes around the entire head to control hair, it must be white, black, beige or a school color just like headbands.

Finally, please keep in mind that the vast majority of the schools we service are members of the UIL and must follow NFHS rules in addition to any mandates issued by the UIL. However, there are a small number of private schools who are not members of the UIL and consequently, follow their own rules. For example, there is one Jewish school for girls that wear long pants under their uniforms.

Click Here for Rule Book Reference 3.5.3