9-Year-Old African-American Girl Kicked Out of Soccer Game for Wearing 'Dangerous' Hair Beads

MONROE, CT — A 9-year-old African-American Monroe girl was benched from a soccer game for wearing "dangerous" beads in her hair, according to Fox News. Aubrey Zvovushe-Ramos has been playing soccer in the American Youth Soccer Organization for six years wearing braids with beads, and her mother said it was never a problem.

Her mother, Amy Zvovushe-Ramos, offered to tie her daughter's hair back, but the referee said the beads are considered hair jewelry which posed a safety issue to Aubrey and the other players, the report said. Zvovushe-Ramos said she felt as if she was being singled out and is now concerned about the negative impact this may have on her.

The American Youth Soccer Organization states in its regulations handbook:

"Although in general hair control devices are acceptable if clearly related and limited to this purpose, the referee remains responsible for making final decisions as to the safety of anything worn by a player. In making this determination regarding hair control devices (whether worn by male or female players), the following guidelines should be used:

• Hair control devices which are elastic, flexible, and soft should be allowed.
• Devices which are made of hard, sharp, edged, or breakable materials are not
safe and may not be worn.
• Beads or other similar decorative devices woven into or affixed on the hair are
inherently dangerous and are not allowed."

Read more here.

Photo by Lindley Ashline via Flickr Creative Commons