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: Ski Helmets

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

February 4, 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 – Ski Helmets - Listen

During a high school slalom competition, a skier completes their first run and discovers that their helmet chin guard has broken off. Before the second run, the skier attempts to use the same helmet, arguing that it is still functional despite the helmet’s chin guard being broken off.

Can the skier race in the helmet with no integral chin guard for their second slalom run? 

No. According to MHSAA rules, helmets designed and manufactured for the particular discipline of ski racing must be used in competition.A helmet used for slalom must have an integral chin guard.A broken integral chin guard is not allowed in competition. Skiers and coaches should inspect equipment after each run to identify and address any issues, ensuring safety before returning to the course. 

Previous 2024-25 Editions

Feb. 4: Wrestling In Bounds or Out? - Listen
Jan. 21: Block or Charge? - Listen
Jan. 14: Out of Bounds, In Play - Listen
Jan. 7: Wrestling Scoring - Listen
Dec. 17: Bowling Ball Rules - Listen
Dec. 10: Neck Laceration Protector - Listen
Dec. 3: Basketball Goaltending - Listen
Nov. 26: 11-Player Finals Replay - Listen
Nov. 19: 8-Player vs. 11-Player Football - Listen
Nov. 12: Back Row Setter - Listen
Nov. 5: Football OT - Listen
Oct. 29: Officials Registration - Listen
Oct. 22: Volleyball Serve - Listen
Oct. 15: "You Make the Call"
- Soccer Offside - Listen
Oct. 8: Roughing the Passer - Listen
Oct. 1: Abnormal Course Condition - Listen
Sept. 25: Tennis Nets - Listen
Sept. 18:
 Libero - Listen
Sept. 10:
 Cross Country Uniforms - Listen
Sept. 3: Soccer Handling - Listen
Aug. 24: Football Holding - Listen