Jewelry Rule

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Oct 19, 2009
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I'm right here.
Venting is healthy (I think…I hope).

“Rules are made to protect you…not hurt you”

I understand your quandary, but I’m pretty sure all this comes down to money. Money from lawsuits and the rising costs of insurance. It’s a no brainer too…the insurance cost allowing jewelry vs the insurance cost not allowing jewelry. You can’t justify paying higher insurance rates to allow jewelry.

That and the fact that YESit does happen, and it has happened. Outside of the original set of rules, all rules are reactionary. Reactionary to a misunderstanding, unresolved debate, ambiguities or at worst…an injury. Same reason we have face masks on helmets, chin straps, breakaway bases (ugh), non-metal spikes, etc.

The jewelry rule was probably put in place well before many of us were involved or even had kids, and these rubber bracelets and friendship items might not have been around at that time. The numerous BOD out there were faced with a choice after “it” happened, and the choice they made was “No Exposed Jewelry”. I’m sure it was discussed at length, but to them it made sense to help protect them and the kids for many years to come.

It’s pretty simple too, No exposed Jewelry. There’s no room for misinterpretation or special exceptions. And as parents, we’re in control of our kids. Having to stop a game so a player can take off earrings or a necklace is IMO irresponsible, that shouldn’t need to happen. (I can’t tell you how many sets of earrings and necklaces I had in my pockets when I got home from coaching…one was apparently very expensive too which prompted a tearful phone call from the parents at 11:00 pm at night).

Before we leave our house it’s the same discussion every day…

Got your bag? Yeah
Cleats ? Yeah
Water bottle? Yeah
Visor in your bag? Eh?
Any jewelry on? Nope
(Of course at the field it’s….”Dad…do you have my glove, it’s not in my bag?”)

I agree with your venting…some of it doesn’t make sense. And I agree with MTR...some of it may be considered hypocritical and can be debated all night. I predict down the road some of the optional safety precautions will slowly become mandatory (fielders masks, catchers pelvic protectors)...there will also be no sunglasses & no shorts...all at the expense of someone getting a serious injury which is followed up by a lawsuit.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
I agree with your venting…some of it doesn’t make sense. And I agree with MTR...some of it may be considered hypocritical and can be debated all night. I predict down the road some of the optional safety precautions will slowly become mandatory (fielders masks, catchers pelvic protectors)...there will also be no sunglasses & no shorts...all at the expense of someone getting a serious injury which is followed up by a lawsuit.

And this year, there will be at least 5 proposed changes to allow metal spikes at various levels of JO ball that are presently not allowed.

There is also one which mandates face masks for the pitcher & corners, other defensive players may wear protective equipments. This is just outright stupid, IMO. Defenders have always been permitted to wear the protective equipment of their choosing. You make such a thing mandatory, will the masks need to be NOCSAE-approved? If so, that will take 18 months and when approved, everyone will need to buy new masks unless there is already a NOCSAE-approved mask that meets whatever standards are set. And what happens when the masks that are certified are not the mask your daughter likes?

Folks, this is a result of outright laziness on the parents' behalf. There should never be a need for a rule to protect your children and it riles me every time I hear a parent say, "but my daughter won't wear......" and I get riled alot because I hear it way too often
 

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