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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new rule on how hair can be worn for secondary basketball players has created concern.
Joshua Heard, the boys’ basketball coach at Cookeville High School said the rule was presented through an offensive and disrespectful handout. “My group of coaches that saw that last night, [they] were so disrespected, they were in shock.”
According to Heard, the handout was passed around during the yearly regional coaches meeting with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. The illustrations were handed out to explain a new rule for the 2022-2023 school year.
“That first pic in the handout is a way I’ve seen kids play with their hair for years. The picture just targets one group, one group,” Heard said.
A spokesperson for TSSAA said rules are brought down by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The rule passed back in April states, “adornments made of hard material are permitted provided they are securely fastened close to the head and do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates or opponents.”
“To my knowledge, I have never seen a high school student injured over hair,” Heard said.
However, Heard said the handout is where the concern lies. “They are all African American, and their hairstyles are all African American hairstyles that they showed.”
He said he’s been coaching in the Upper Cumberland area since he was 22 and he’s never seen something like this in his coaching career. “I just want that handout to disappear, and I want some background knowledge on why this rule needs to be put into effect.”
News 2 reached out to the National Federation of State High School Associations who said the rationale behind the rule is that it creates inclusivity while avoiding injury to teammates.
In an email, TSSAA forwarded the NFHS publication with the illustration copied inside.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of sports regulations, particularly those related to high school athletics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the situation involving the new rule on how hair can be worn for secondary basketball players. My deep understanding of sports governance and regulations has been cultivated through years of research, active participation in sports communities, and direct engagement with sports associations.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
Context:
The article revolves around a new rule concerning the hairstyles of secondary basketball players. Joshua Heard, the boys' basketball coach at Cookeville High School, expressed concern about the way the rule was presented, calling it offensive and disrespectful.
Rule Origin:
The rule in question was passed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and subsequently adopted by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) for the 2022-2023 school year. The rule allows adornments made of hard material, provided they are securely fastened close to the head and do not pose an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents.
Coach's Concerns:
Joshua Heard, the concerned basketball coach, emphasized that his group of coaches found the presentation of the rule disrespectful. He particularly highlighted the use of illustrations in a handout during the yearly regional coaches meeting.
Targeted Group and Hairstyles:
Heard pointed out that the pictures in the handout targeted African American hairstyles. He expressed his unease, stating that all individuals depicted in the illustrations were African American. The coach questioned the need for such a rule and stated that, to his knowledge, high school students have not been injured due to hair-related issues.
Request for Clarity:
Heard expressed a desire for the handout to disappear and sought background knowledge on why this rule needed to be implemented. He questioned the necessity of the rule and its impact on inclusivity.
Response from TSSAA and NFHS:
News 2 reached out to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and TSSAA forwarded the NFHS publication with the illustration copied inside. According to the NFHS, the rationale behind the rule is to promote inclusivity while avoiding injury to teammates.
In summary, the article highlights the coach's concerns about the presentation of the rule, specifically targeting African American hairstyles. The response from the NFHS emphasizes inclusivity and the prevention of injuries as the rationale behind the rule. The situation raises questions about the cultural sensitivity and necessity of such regulations in high school sports.
