Did the referee have a legitimate reason for telling the kid to cut his dreds or forfeit the wrestling match?

I have no idea, inadequate hair covering? I don’t know anything about wresting either, but it seems ridiculous.

And honestly, if there’s past racist behavior, he should never be allowed to work with children period, let alone a school system.

“New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) rules state “an assigned official will check each wrestler for proper hair grooming, facial hair and fingernail length” for safety on the mat. However, there are also rules specifying that wrestlers are permitted to use a “legal hair cover.” For whatever reason, Maloney did not afford Johnson this option.” From

“According to a 2016 story from USA TODAY partner The Courier-Post, Maloney has been accused of racism before. That year, the Courier-Post reported, he was accused of directing a racial slur at another referee at a private gathering between officials at a condominium.” From

It was an act of discrimination by this “man” and probably racism.

>_<.

What @tinyfaery said, as well as the very public nature of the act, which could have served to seriously dishearten the young man and affect his performance in the match. I’m glad he won the match anyway, I hope the ref gets legally dealt with.