Jewellery

We thought it important as we get ready to resume play, that we once again clarify our position around the wearing of jewellery and basketball. The rules of basketball prohibit the wearing of any jewellery while participating in a game. This includes, rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and body piercings.

The risk to player safety with all of these is very real, and examples of injuries resulting from players participating wearing jewellery are real as well. If the jewellery cannot be removed, or if you choose not to remove it, you cannot be permitted to play. It is as simple as that. This is a rule of basketball, not a Pete Petersen Basketball League rule, and we cannot knowingly set aside a rule that deals with player safety.

Research shows us that newly pierced ear lobes should have the stud left in place for 6-8 weeks, depending on how fast an individual heals. If your player has recently had a piercing done then they will not be permitted to play until such time that you as parents and caregivers deem it safe to remove the earrings prior to games. Taping over the ear lobe is not permitted so don’t ask us to set aside the rules of the game to do this.

Talk to your players about this to help them understand. If they still want to come to games to be on the bench with their teammates during this time period where a piercing cannot be removed, that is fine, but understand they will not be able to participate until you can safely remove the jewellery.

For piercings beyond the 6-8 week time frame, all research that we have found indicates no risk to the individual by removing the earring or stud.

If you are planning a piercing for your player, we suggest after the season would be a good time to plan that event.