The official has the responsibility to ensure that there is no skin condition that is contagious. It is not uncommon for a wrestler to have a state form and not be permitted to wrestle because at the time of the skin check the official believes the condition is contagious, notwithstanding the doctor's form. No, he's not a doctor, he's not smarter than a doctor, and he's not trying to be. He's using his best judgment and experience to prevent the spread of skin disease. No official wants to keep a kid from wrestling.

I've seen forms that were faked, altered, names changed,dates changed, signatures forged, and not even being close to accurate. I've had kids hide skin diseases, cover them up, claim they were burns, rashes, birth marks. I've had coaches complicit in the effort. The bottom line is some of these diseases are very serious and very contagious and they can wipe out a whole team if not caught in time. And some of them cannot be cured, once you get them, you've got them for life.

But I'd really like to hear the hat and jewelry story...I've never heard of an official "taking" anything at skin check and can't imagine why they would or why they would care.