Hey I'm 16 and I'm seriously thinking about getting my tongue pierced.. only problem is that I play in a very competitive basketball league.. is there a kind of flexible barbell that I could wear not only to hide the piercing but also prevent any pain that could result from it during games? Could I possibly take it out for a 2 hour period (max) without it closing up? Also when you go to the dentist, should you take it out?
Thanks!

You won't be able to take it out right away, but after it has healed you will be able to remove it for short periods. I would actually suggest getting a clear spacer for it, they are sold in stores, and are virtually invisible. You will want to remove it when going to the dentist, or put in a plastic barbell or spacer.

If you play any kind of sports I would recommend that you do not get your tongue pierced. You could bite it, or it could get ripped out. Hard plastic and metal are the only materials that you can get a tongue ring in.

You can take it out for a 2 hour period, but only if it is fully healed, which takes up to a year, maybe longer. If you take it out for more than 30 minutes and it is not healed, it can close up like the snap of a finger.

And yes, when you go to the dentist, you should take it out to prevent it getting in the way. :)

They make clear, flexible retainers now, Nautical star, Girls I played soccer with wear them.

Clear Acrylic Body Piercing Retainers (http://www.navel-rings.net/acrylic-retainers2.html)

Flexible clear tongue piercing / nipple piercing retainer with clear O-ring, 14ga, BODY JEWELRY (http://piercingmart.com/products/flexible-clear-tongue-piercing-nipple-piercing-retainer-with-clear-o-ring-14-ga-p36265.html)

Although, I suggest if you aren't used to the piercing yet, to refrain... good points about the healing and what not though, a lot of people don't know that.