Professional and collegiate athletes are allowed to wear jewelry during competition, but in high school is is forbidden.
Ths is the final article on NFHS rules for outdoor track & field, and it focuses on the last two areas of common disqualifications. The jewelry rules have been in place for many years and should not come as a surprise to anyone, whereas the rules for electronic devices have been evolving over the last decade, and there is a significant change this year. Given the realities of our current society, in which both jewelry and electronics are highly prevalent, it's very important for athletes, parents, and coaches to be conscious of these rules during any competition.
Jewelry Rules
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Athletes are not allowed to wear any form of jewelry, except:
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Items that are required by a certain religion (must be worn under the uniform and taped to the body)
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Items of a medical nature (if metal, must be covered with tape)
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You CAN wear a watch around your wrist.
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You may wear unadorned (not decorated) bobby pins, barrettes, or hair clips to control your hair.
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Beads and other decorations in the hair are not allowed.
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Rules for Electronic Devices
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Includes cell phones of all types, music players of all types, tablets of all types, computers of all types, photo and video cameras of all types, etc.
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Althetes cannot bring electronic devices into the area of competition.
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Athletes, coaches, and parents can use electronic devices OUTSIDE the area of competition (for example, in the stands), even between trials in a field event.
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Coaches can use electronic devices in designated coaching boxes.
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Coaches CAN share videos or photos with athletes between races, or between trials (attempts) in a field event.
Remember, it is up to YOU as a coach, parent, or athlete to know the rules! All of the disqualifications listed in these articles are avoidable. Practice the rules correctly during your small meets so you don't have problems during an important meet!