Actually the "rule" regarding tape on the headgear stems from the rule from the National Federation rule book which says that equipment shall be worn as intended by the manufacturer. This interpreation has actually been in effect for several years now. The difference this year is that KSHSAA has instructed officials to no longer allow it, whereas in the past several years they said, don't make a big deal out of it.

So really all that happened this year is that we are now in line with the NFHS rule. As many of you know Kansas deviates from a couple of NFHS rules specifically we have homesite weighin, whereas most other states weigh in shoulder to shoulder 1 hour before the event. Because we don't conform to the weigh in rule we lose the ability every year to vote on rule changes and such.

As far as the reasoning behind not allowing tape is twofold. Number one athletic tape is a harbor of several bacterias and fungus so it is partially safety-related. Number 2 it can become quite abrasive and potentially alters the intended operation of the device. It's worth noting that most manufacturers of split strap headgears also manufacture a rubber piece that connects the two straps in the same way the athletic tape was being used and it's perfectly legal to have that piece or add it to the headgear.

Now whether the rule is a good one and effective is up for debate. But in the current time frame its implementation is not therefore tape on the headgear is not allowed, however decals applied by the manufacturer specifically for that headgear when manufactured is still legal. Hope this answers your question satisfactorily.