For years, high school swimmers were warned before their meets. "No jewelry!"
All had to take off their ear rings and friendship bracelets. Oh, those friendship bracelets were tough. Some had been worn for years -- and were often sentimental keepsakes that the rules and officials terminated, year-in-and-year-out. Ugh.
Finally, the rules have changed. Kids can swim with a nose ring, an ankle bracelet, rings and even a pony tail tie!