The National Federation for High School rules has added a new rule addressing hair adornments, including beads in braided hair! Given the diversity of our up and coming players it is something we as officials need to be prepared to address.

  From a recent NFHS article;

     Hair adornments, including beads, may be worn by high school soccer players beginning this fall, provided they are secured to the players head  and do not present a safety hazard to the player, teammates or opponents.

Actual NFHS rules elaborate further:

     Illustrations of acceptable styles show hair being either secured in a bun or if extremely long  being tucked in the players shirt simlar to what we do for hoodies!

Decorative pins, however are still considered jewelry and not allowed!

I have already had to address this rule with a Girls JV player with long braided hair and beautiful beads..

It is recommended both new and returning officials review this information every season to understand how current IFAB rules apply to players at Developmental levels.

The document is available at Officials Area.

Joe Kurta, Rick Necorcuk, and Ed Jonson have updated the information for officiating U10 NYSL.