I asked an official at tulsa. And his answer made some sense a little silly but sensible. Tape over ear holes combined with being against a sweaty head when slapped will be air tight and may rupture ear drum. But some officials confused it with no tape at all. When tape on straps etc are ok. I'm not sure if that's accurate
Jon Trowbridge Ive never had the fear of getting beat thats how most people lose.