As an umpire, I couldn't care less what the player wears as long as it is not dangerous to anyone else with an exception or two.
Exposed necklaces and bracelets probably have to go. Rings other than bands are a no. Hanging earrings are a no, studs or clips, no problem. Piercings, in general, are not my problem.
This is an issue that has, IMO, gotten way out of control from umpires going Gestapo on teams to a coach attempting to use it as a strategy. This is why I prefer ASA's method of leaving it up the what the umpire deems dangerous. It will change from umpire to umpire, but it also allows for some common sense to be applied when something different arises.
MTR,
It's refreshing to hear a common sense response from an ump. Your take on this is exactly how i see it too.
The sad thing is the umpire in our game said it was out of his hands because it was a rule but the tournament director could provide a waiver. The tournanment director said it wasn't his call, it was up to the umpire. So the back and forth began. I understand why neither was willing to waive it, mostly because of liability concerns. But I offered to have my player wear a defensive mask in left field as well as her batting helmet on offense and neither would agree to it. Some of the other sanctions allow for a bandaid or tape to be placed over the piercing but USSSA even calls that out as not acceptable. My only hope is USSSA in the future looks at this rule again and decides to follow ASA on this one (I'm not going to hold my breath).