what are the high school regulations on eye black?

By Oliver Wiener June 16, 2023 11:12

Eye black has been a popular accessory in high school sports for decades, but in recent years, there has been a push to regulate its use. While some states and associations have strict regulations, others leave it up to individual schools and coaches. Here is a closer look at the high school regulations on eye black in sports.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the governing body for high school sports in the United States. They have implemented rules for the use of eye black in football and lacrosse. Players are only allowed to use a single stroke under each eye, and it cannot be a symbol or logo. However, a single stroke can technically make up any shape, which can be considered a symbol. The enforcement of this rule has caused issues for some athletes, particularly those who have religious beliefs that involve the use of crosses as their eye black. This has led to a debate about whether the rule violates the right to religious expression.

In baseball, the rules are not as strict, eye black has been a staple in the sport since the 1930s. The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee has identified the usage of eye black as an area of concern for the 2023 season, labeling it as a "Point of Emphasis." However, the focus is on preventing inappropriate use, such as offensive or distracting messages.

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has implemented new eye black rules for high school sports teams, including boys lacrosse, football, and baseball. However, each sport has different definitions of the rule, and they are not consistent across all sports. While the rule for baseball only prohibits inappropriate use of eye black, lacrosse and football rules state that players can only use one stroke of eye black that is not a symbol or logo. This inconsistency has led to confusion among athletes, coaches, and officials.

The purpose of these regulations is to prevent the use of eye black for anything other than its intended purpose, which is to reduce glare and improve vision. In addition, they aim to promote good sportsmanship and prevent any behavior that could be considered offensive or distracting to opponents or spectators.

Collaboration between high school and club coaches can help athletes balance their commitments, but it requires dedication, hard work, and time management skills. As with any extracurricular activity, students must prioritize their academic responsibilities and be aware of the different rules and regulations that govern each level of play.

In summary, the regulations on the use of eye black in high school sports vary depending on the sport, state, and association. While some have strict rules, others leave it up to individual schools and coaches to decide. The purpose of these rules is to prevent the use of eye black for anything other than its intended purpose and to promote good sportsmanship. It is important for athletes to be aware of these regulations and to prioritize their academic responsibilities while balancing their commitments to their sports teams.