This week, MHSAA Assistant Director Brent Rice explains how player uniform rules in basketball make the game safer. 

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Basketball Uniform Safety - Listen

As the basketball season comes into full swing, we want to take a quick look at some topics that have been at the forefront for schools and officials.

Our primary focus is always the safety of our student-athletes. And while some of the uniform requirements are technical in nature, a point of emphasis this year concentrates on the potential hazards that loose strings and extensions can create.

Rolled waistbands have been interpreted as legal as long as there are no exposed drawstrings and they comply with logo restrictions. Players may wear headbands composed of a soft material. These can be tied as long as any loose extensions or tails are tucked back into the headband. Because they wrap around the entire head, headbands are distinguished from hair-control devices, which have their own requirements and restrictions.