When is a knee brace considered legal for a player to wear during a game?

A knee brace is considered legal for a player to wear during a game when it is unaltered from the manufacturer's original design. This criterion ensures that the brace retains its intended function and protective qualities without modifications that could potentially cause injury to the player wearing it or to other participants in the game.

The regulations prioritize the safety of all players, and maintaining the integrity of the equipment as designed by the manufacturer helps achieve this goal. Any alterations to the brace might affect its performance and could introduce risks that the original design was meant to mitigate. Thus, wearing a knee brace that remains in its original form is essential for compliance with the rules of play and for ensuring that it provides the necessary support without compromising safety.

The other choices might include conditions that could make the brace less safe, such as being padded without being unaltered or having exposed hinges, which may not meet safety standards.