NYSPHSAA holds off hair adornment prohibition

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association recently took a unanimous vote to put a moratorium on prohibiting of hair decorations, until member schools can “adequately address this topic and concerns,” according to a news release.

“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,” NYSPHSAA Executive Director Robert Zayas said in the prepared statement. “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.”

As a result of the NYSPHSAA’s vote, language will be added to the association’s jewelry rule. Hair adornments can be worn as long as they are secured and don’t present a safety hazard, NYSPHSAA Director of Communications Chris Watson said in the release. That includes beads.

The association’s jewelry rule has been in place for over two decades. It prohibits jewelry and permits only hair restraints that control a competitor’s hair. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has amended several national sport rules to allow hair adornments, according to the press release.