Do we still have to do that if the shoes don't have one of those little lace guards? For some reason I was thinking we voted so we don't have to do that any more, but it's entirely possible I dreamed that up.

Damon,

The NFHS rule states that shoelaces must be secured. It was changed a couple of years back due to shoe manufacturers including lace straps in the design of their shoes. That being the case typically if a show does not have this mechanism then the laces need to be tapped as just tieing them and even double knotting them is not sufficient.

In USAWKS sanctioned tournaments however there is a kids modification Rule 4 which states

"The legality of all uniforms will be up to the referee, and need not conform to the NFSHSA rule."

Given this modification it is not strictly required that kids level competitor's laces be taped. I would caution however that I as the head official of any tournament would require laces to be taped if the shoe did not have a built-in mechanism, as that is my discretion. I suspect that the same will be true at sub-districts, districts, and the State tournament. All that being said, I would say it would be good to get in the habit of expecting it to be enforced by most officials.

Hope that answers your question.

Thanks Nigel!

kids lost matches at subs last year for not having laces taped. officials should make up their minds now, and let the coaches know, just how this is going to be enforced.

This point was stressed at our seeding meeting last year (laces must be taped or else...) Not sure why it's not easier to just tape them and be safe, seems a small item to take care of when weighed against the alternative. We tape our kids shoes irregardless, it's something they will have to get used to as they progress in the sport so my opinion is to get them used to it now.

Is there any upside to not taping your laces? Lets look at this objectively:
Pros
Tape is relitivly cheap.
Your laces won't come untied.
You won't give up a penalty point.
Its fun to tear off and throw at you parents.
Your shoes wont fall off.

Cons
Yeah I got nothing