A Note from Softball BC on the Jewellery Interpretation
Written by admin
May 18, 2010
MEMO FROM THE PROVINCIAL UMPIRE
‐IN‐CHIEF
Subject: Final Jewellery Interpretation – Clarification and Enforcement
Attention: All Members of Softball BC
Softball Canada Rules 3
‐
10 states:
a. Exposed jewellery such as wristwatches, bracelets, any type of earrings, neck chains, or any
other item judged dangerous by the umpire, may not be worn during the game
b. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewellery (do not have to be taped).
There has been a lot of e
‐
mail received, both positive and negative, since the April 14, 2010
announcement about our decision to continue following the jewellery interpretation as set
down by Softball Canada.
Softball BC has been listening to all of your concerns, opinions and suggestions. We fully
understand the ramifications of players that will not remove piercings and are unable to play
because of their personal decisions. For the past few weeks Softball BC President Dennis Bidin
and I have been working tirelessly in an effort to offer some flexibility to our members, while at
the same time satisfying the requirements of our legal team.
Therefore, please consider the following release as our official position on this issue:
Softball BC
‐ Position on Jewellery
Over the past several months there have been various notes, emails and conversations
concerning the growing issue with jewellery that is not easily removed to allow total
compliance with Softball BC and/or Softball Canada Rules. Rules are meant to protect the
athletes, coaches and officials from injury however at some point common sense has to play
a part in the application of our rules.
From a Liability and Insurance position, Softball BC is covered by the waiver that exists on our
Player Registration form.
Softball BC Umpires are not required to demand the removal of jewellery that is attached by
a piercing or other invasive method that would make removal difficult to accomplish unless it
can be determined the jewellery in question is a danger to other players or officials. Umpires
should request compliance under Softball BC or Softball Canada rules. If the individual
refuses to remove the item that is attached by a method mentioned above, any liability for
injury to that player lies with the player. If the player then somehow injures another player,
coach or official, that would be covered by our Softball BC Insurance Policy.
Softball BC Umpires should continue to have jewellery such as dangling earrings, necklaces,
bracelets, etc. removed. However, if they are confronted with a situation where a player
refuses to remove a piece of jewellery, then the umpire should ask for one of the other
umpires to attend the conference and inform the player that they have been requested to
remove the jewellery and have declined. Therefore the player has taken on any liability to
themselves for actions resulting from any injury that may result from the non
‐compliance.
Dennis Bidin
‐ President ‐ Softball BC
The last thing we want is for teams (players/coaches) to create any animosity or hard feelings
by policing themselves.
Please do not point out jewellery to the umpires.
Please allow the
umpires to umpire and they in turn will allow coaches to coach and players to play.
I would ask for your continued support of your umpires who are simply doing their job and
enforcing the current 2009
‐
2010 Softball BC and Softball Canada playing rules.
I will be preparing and presenting our current Softball BC ‘Position on Jewellery’ interpretation
at the 2011 Softball Canada AGM in hopes that we can have this change accepted and
implemented by Softball Canada as next year is a rule change year for 2011
‐
2012.
In short, I believe this memo really states: “Let’s Play Ball.”
Wishing you all a rewarding 2010 season!
Bob Henning
Softball BC UIC
brotherinblue@shaw.ca
604
‐790‐1166