Soccer officials attempt to ban hairstyles

Nigerian and Guinean soccer officials are attempting to ban players from wearing their hair in braids or dreadlocks and from wearing earrings. Players should have the freedom to wear whatever they want, as long as it does not interfere with their game.

Even Jay-Jay Okocha, captain of the team, has braided hair. But officials have said that the behavior was unacceptable and promotes homosexuality, according to BBC News. One official has gone so far as to order any players removed from the field if their hairstyles are deemed unacceptable.

The Nigerian government is getting involved as well, with information officials such as Otunba Olusegun Runshewe using television to broadcast his opinion on the matter. Soccer stars are creating a fuss much like we had here over basketball star Dennis Rodman, whose tattoos and crazy hair furthered his image.

These people are celebrities for children to look up to. Kids will copy trends, and the officials are worried about the transmission of these "homosexual trends" to young soccer fans. Many fans feel that the braided hair is a woman's style and that the men are dressing like women when they decorate themselves that way. Others have said it is African culture. Either way, as long as it does not interfere with their game, they should be allowed to decorate themselves however they see fit. For players with longer hair, braiding it is a nice way to get it up and out of their face.

One soccer administrator, Ahmed Lawan, told BBC that players should be suspended for years or banned from the sport altogether for such an offense as this. This debate may cause players in the upcoming Youth Championships to be removed from the field if their hair or accessories are offensive to referees. Nigeria has very different laws and styles than America, but as long as the players aren't harming anyone, they should be allowed individual styles on the field. The change in hairstyle may give them confidence and allow them to stand out as players.

That confidence boost might help the players score a few goals, and hey, that's what we really want.

In Guinea, President Lansana Conte gave the national soccer team an ultimatum. The team members were forced to choose between the game they love and the styles they wear. The players claim it is their right to change their looks and styles, but the president prefers a more unified look and is enforcing that preference on the team that is representing their country in worldwide competitions.

Nowadays, sports are filled with advertisements on uniforms, fences and even on the field. It can't hurt to let the athletes sport their individuality if it helps them to market themselves as players. It is easier to spot someone like Dennis Rodman on the court than a nondescript player wearing the team uniform if everyone's hair is the same.

The Guinean leader and Nigerian officials should realize that in this modern age, individuality is important worldwide, and that includes Africa. They may have the right in their country to force change in personal appearance, but that does not make it a good idea, and hopefully soccer players will rise up against this tyranny over their looks.