Attention all parents and players. This your final reminder that the 8 week window for a player to get a piercing that can safely be removed for the start practices is today – July 27th.
The rules of basketball state that no player may participate while wearing jewellery of any kind.
Published directives state that new piercings must be left in place for 6 to 8 weeks before they can be removed. With organized practices set to begin September 22, that means the 8 week deadline for getting piercings that must be removed before practices is today, July 27th and the 6 week deadline is August 10th.
That means that if you are planning on getting any new piercings you need to get them done today, or in the next 14 days, or delay having them done until after the season ends in March 2026.
A reminder, this is a basketball rule, and not a Pete Petersen Basketball League rule. The risk is real and I personally know of injuries where an earring was caught by a hand or uniform and the ear ripped. The no jewellery ban also applies to rings and bracelets as well as piercings other than in the ears. These other piercings also must be removed before a player can participate, and this rule will be enforced.
As officials we are often asked if the earring can be taped over and the answer is simple. No.
There is still time in Piercing Season but don’t be caught missing the deadline and having to explain to your player they can’t play until the piercing can safely come out and the chain, ring or bracelet can come off. The only exception to this is Medic Alert Identification and there are methods to allow that identification to still be available if needed.
