Ther is no organization in the USA more deeply stuck in the 1950s than the NYSPHSAA. Track officials were told this year to disqualify all track competitors who had beads in their hair. Some parent complained to NYSPHSAA that beads were part of their heritage. So here is the rule that came out today:
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The NYSPHSAA office has been contacted by someone who is stating that the beads are part of their "culture". No problem. In order to accommodate any athlete who has hair beads as part of their culture, NYSPHSAA has a plan to address that situation. Here is what has to happen in order for those individuals to get permission to have beads:
1. The Athletic Director at the school has to send a "Special Accommodation Request" to NYSPHSAA.
2. Along with the request, the Athletic Director has to send the athlete's name and a picture of the hair device in the hair.
3. If approved by NYSPHSAA, they will supply the school with an "Approval Letter".
4. Coaches should have a copy of that approval letter, (much like documentation for the use of an inhaler), with them to notify the officials at the meet the school is in to avoid any "uncomfortable" situations for, both, the athlete and the official.
Again, unless there is a waiver, the beads, (or other hair devices), will be considered not legal. Please help to avoid any such situations by talking to your athletes or have your AD send the Special Accommodation Request and the other required information to the NYSPHSAA office to get the process started ASAP.
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I'[m not saying that this rule is aimed 100% at African American athletes but pretty darn close.