Be the Referee: Volleyball Jewelry

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

September 6, 2023

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 – Volleyball Jewelry - Listen

There’s a new rule in volleyball regarding the wearing of jewelry.

Previously, participants were not allowed to wear stud or post-like jewelry, such as earrings, even if they were covered by tape.

But now, stud or post-like jewelry, worn above the chin, is allowed. Stud earrings are now allowed to be worn during play – and do not need to be covered by tape.

Hoop-style jewelry, such as hoop earrings, are still not allowed, even if covered by tape. If a player is wearing hoop earrings, the coach will be issued an administrative yellow card for the first offense and a red card for a second offense in that set.

Items such as a medical-alert medal or a religious medal must be taped to the body and can be visible during play.

Previous Editions

Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen

Be the Referee: Field Hockey Basics

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

September 3, 2025

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 – Field Hockey Basics - Listen

Field Hockey is now a fully sponsored MHSAA sport. So let’s start by getting up to speed on some basics.

Field Hockey is a fall sport.

Games are administered by two officials.

Each team plays with 11 players on the field – including the goalkeeper.

The field is 100 yards by 60 yards – roughly the same size as a football field.

The goals are 12 feet wide and seven feet high, with the penalty stroke line being drawn seven yards in front of the center of the goal.

Players are not allowed to play the ball with the rounded side of the stick – nor are they allowed to charge, hit, shove, or trip an opposing player.

Field hockey games are 60 minutes long, played in four 15-minute quarters.

Previous 2025-26 editions

Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen

PHOTO by Jamie Crawford/JC Sports Photography.