Hair adornment policy changed for NYS high school sports

LATHAM, N.Y. (WHEC) – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has unanimously voted in favor of placing a moratorium on the prohibition of hair adornments.

As a result of the Officers’ decision, the following will be added to the NYSPHSAA Jewelry Rule:

“Hair adornments, including beads, may be worn provided they are secured and do not present a safety hazard to the player, teammates or opponent.”

It should be noted, Officers of the NYSPHSAA may make decisions on emergency matters, per the NYSPHSAA Constitution (Article IV. 2) which states:

“A committee of officers in consultation with the staff shall have the authority to act on all matters not provided for in this constitution and bylaws, and on such emergency business as may arise between regular meetings of the Executive Committee.”

“Our Association has given the topic a significant amount of attention the past four months as a result of concerns brought to us by the membership,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “As a membership-led organization, it is important to listen to the concerns of our schools and take action to ensure student-athletes are able to participate in a beneficial manner while the membership fully examines this rule.”

The NYSPHSAA Jewelry Rule, which has been in place for more than two decades, prohibits jewelry and only permits hair restraints that control a competitor’s hair. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has already amended several national sports rules to allow hair adornments to be worn.

According to NYSPHSAA President Julie Berman, “In consultation with NYSPHSAA’s legal counsel, NYSPHSAA’s Executive Director, and following the NFHS direction on hair adornments, we felt it was most appropriate to make this decision today on behalf of student-athletes.”