Some things to pay attention to as the season gets underway.
Please make sure all players are properly uniformed. Consistent enforcement of uniform rules now makes it easier for all of us as the season progresses. A summary of the uniform rules is shown below.
Some highlights. Tee shirts, if visible, MUST match the torso color of the jersey.
Players who are not wearing the uniform correctly SHALL be directed to leave the game. They may not re-enter until at least one tick has run off the clock.
This does not apply to players who are wearing the waistband turned out. A rule change for this season permits rolling the waistband as long as there are no strings hanging out and only one logo is visible.
Headbands, wristbands, leg sleeves, tights and arm sleeves (not part of a tee shirt) must be white, black, beige or the predominant color of the jersey. All such items must be the same color and all players wearing these items must be wearing the same color.
Note: There are NO technical fouls issued for any of the above uniform issues. The player(s) simply cannot participate until the issue is corrected.
Head Coverings – Written Authorization Must Be Presented
Pre-game Protocols
The referee should contact his/her partners 24-48 hours before an assignment. The referee should confirm the starting time and what time he/she and his/her partner(s) will arrive on site. If you are not the referee and you do not receive a call, it is a good idea to contact the referee to ensure that everyone is on the same page about when the game is scheduled for.
Upon arrival at the game site the referee should identify who is game management for the games and determine if an appropriate health care provider (AHCP) is present. Remember, if no AHCP is present, then, if you send a player out who is displaying symptoms of a possible concussion, that player is not permitted to return to play in that game.
South Carolina is an NFHS state. As such, we follow the guidelines in the NFHS Officials Manual for the pre-game meeting with the captains and coaches (page 16, paragraph 1.8). There should be one meeting with both the captains and coaches present. This meeting should take place in front of the scorer’s table.