NCAA tweaks rule about braces to pave way for Isaac Haas return

Isaac Haas still seems unlikely to play in Purdue’s Sweet 16 game against Texas Tech on Friday night, but an amendment the NCAA made this week to a rule regarding protective braces has made it possible.

According to Andy Katz of NCAA.com, Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski worked with NCAA officials and the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) to get approval for a brace Haas would wear on his elbow if he were able to play.

“With ample time this week to review the intent of the playing rule, the committee decided to provide a more contemporary interpretation, while keeping health and safety for all players the highest priority,” NCAA Senior Vice President of basketball Dan Gavitt said. “Technology has improved materials used in braces, so now there will be more flexibility in applying the rule as long as the brace is fully covered and padded. Isaac and other players in similar circumstances should be able to play, as long as the brace is safe for all.”

As Katz notes, current rules state that “elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm guards, casts or braces made of fiberglass, plaster, metal or any other non-pliable substance shall be prohibited.” However, the CSMAS has determined there are ways to use padding to make braces safe for other players, though officials must continue to check the brace throughout the game.

Haas on Thursday showed off the elbow brace Purdue engineering students designed for him, and Bobinski said it is made of materials like rubber, carbon fiber and leather that would be safe for both Haas and other players on the court. However, the big man still has a fractured elbow, and Purdue coach Matt Painter told Katz he would need to see a lot from Haas in Friday’s walkthrough to consider playing him.