Muslim basketball players like Maryland high school student Je’Nan Hayes will soon be able to compete while wearing the hijab, according to a new rule change by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
“The Central Board approved a proposal put forward by the Technical Commission for a new rule that will allow headgear to be worn by players,” FIBA said in a statement. “The new rule was developed in order to minimize the risk of injuries and preserve consistency of the color of the uniform.”
This edict reverses an earlier rule that said players could not “wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.” Not allowed were: “headgear, hair accessories and jewelry.”
According to The Washing Post, “FIBA’s decision came after growing demands from around the world, including a Change.org petition that received more than 130,000 signatures and a social media campaign with the hashtag #FIBAAllowHijab.”
The ruling goes into effect October 1st.
