Any spades players out there?

[One of a kind]

This question has nothing to do with Greek life, but I just have to get the answer from somewhere. I was recently involved in a serious game of Spades (Is there any other kind?) Anyway, I had like a WHOA hand (8 high spades included)...It was on me to set the game off so I played my two aces (heart & Diamond) After I got those two books, I played my big joker. I was trying to pull everyone else's spades. WELL...I was told that unless I'm trump tight, I can not lead off with Spades. I have been playing for years, and have never heard of this rule. Needless to say an all out Brawl insued. If anyone knows anything about Spades, please let me know who was in the right.