VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — The Virginia High School League has ruled student athletes cannot wear the popular LiveStrong wristbands, reversing its decision earlier this month that cross-country runners could wear them in races.
The yellow bands cost $1 each, and the money helps the Lance Armstrong Foundation provide information to cancer survivors. The bands have circled the wrists of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, Jay Leno and NFL players.
School officials clarified the policy Friday to principals, coaches and students. They said school divisions could face sportsmanship violations or fines from the league if students continued to wear the bands during athletic events.
“I realize that this will not be popular in a community that has already voiced a lack of support for the rule,” wrote Hazel Jessee, principal of First Colonial High School and chairwoman of the district high schools. “Quite frankly, this is a decision out of our hands.”
Several runners were disqualified earlier this month for wearing the bands. After a flurry of community complaints, Virginia Beach officials lifted the ban for local meets, reinstated many of the athletes and sought a clarification from the league.
They were told the wristbands are considered jewelry under state and national rules. Students can wear wristwatches in track and field and cross country, however, and they can wear religious or medical items if they are secured by tape and concealed beneath uniforms.
Ken Tilley, the league’s executive director, said a finger or hand from an opposing player could get stuck in the bracelet.
“We’re not contesting the cause,” he said.
Jane S. Brooks, a Virginia Beach School Board member who has worn a LiveStrong wristband since July, called the league’s decision “an outrage.” She argued that the band is indeed a display of faith — “faith in one’s self.”
Coaches and administrators say they will warn students before athletic events not to wear the bracelets.
“We’re just glad we got a clear definition of what jewelry is,” said Mike Nestor, the cross-country coach at Ocean Lakes High School.
Daniel D. Edwards, the school board’s chairman and the starter for the meet scheduled this week, said the decision is consistent with the rule that “jewelry is jewelry.”
Said Mr. Edwards: “It’s difficult when you start making exceptions. As well-intentioned as the Lance Armstrong Foundation is, it’s still jewelry.”
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