Courtesy of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

INDIANAPOLIS – High school baseball players and coaches will be permitted to wear jewelry starting in the 2023 season after the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced Monday that its Baseball Rules Committee voted to remove its prohibition from the rules.

Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted by rule.

I don’t see a problem with small pieces of jewelry such as chains with crosses, their jersey numbers or rubber wristbands, said Delhi Charter baseball coach Storm Ridgeway. “It’s just part of everyday dress for most young men nowadays. It’s not like they wear the pieces just for baseball. I mean how much different are those accessories versus sunglasses? It’s all just part of the game today.”

While most jewelry will be permitted, the Baseball Rules Committee noted that the current rules still state that any jewelry worn that poses harm or injury to a player or opponent should be removed.

“The game of baseball has evolved, and players have demonstrated that wearing a bracelet or a necklace does not impede their ability to play or increase any risk to themselves or their opponents,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee.

The NFHS also approved rules regarding a lodged ball, pitcher pivot foot and catcher eye shields.

For more information on the recent rules changes, please CLICK HERE