Player Equipment Policy

Last Updated: Jul 18th, 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide uniformity for the sanctioning of all games within the Northwest Territories.  The following summarizes CSA policies designed to reduce inconsistencies in rulings over players equipment.  All referees are expected to follow these policies in all matches played under the direct supervision of the NWT Soccer Association.  Other criteria may apply in district, league or international (FIFA) Competitions and referees must be guided accordingly.

Scope

The scope of this Policy applies to all soccer within the Northwest Territories.  This policy is consistent with the FIFA Laws of the Game.  The Laws of the Game stipulate that:

  • A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (Law 4)
  • Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks, knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight, padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted. (FIFA)
  • New technology has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the players themselves and for other players.  Referees should show tolerance when authorizing their use.  This applies particularly to younger players.
  • It is the referees responsibility to inspect players compulsory and non-compulsory equipment before each and every match, as well as that of substitutes when they first enter the field of play to take part in a match.

1. Jewelry

No item of jewelry of any sort will be allowed on the field of play, even if it is taped or covered.  Game officials must set an example by removing all personal jewelry before entering the field of play (watches are obviously allowed for game officials).  The rule of thumb should be if it can be seen, its a problem.

  • Earrings: no earrings of any kind are acceptable.  The practice of taping is no longer acceptable.
  • Facial rings: any kind of jewelry around the eyes, nose or any other part of the face must be removed.
  • Bracelets: all bracelets (including metal, rope, fabric ) must be removed.  Medic Alert bracelets may be worn but must be covered or padded in order to be safe for all players.
  • Necklaces: all necklaces must be removed.
  • Body piercing: any body piercing not visible to the referee is not of concern.  Should the piercing become visible the referee will ensure it is removed.
  • Watches: players are not allowed to wear any kind of watches.
  • Beaded Hair: if a player is wearing hair beads the hair must be tied in a bun or covered by a hair net. Loose beaded hair is not to be allowed.
  • Wedding rings: must be removed.  The sole exception is a smooth wedding band which the referee is convinced cannot be removed, and which poses no danger to any player.  It is recommended that teams advise players to have such rings removed before reporting for the match.  If exceptionally cannot be removed, it must be adequately padded.

2. Headwear

  • Hats: no hats are allowed on the field of play, except for goalkeepers using one as an eye shade.
  • Bandanas: no bandanas are allowed.
  • Sweat bands: no sweat bands are allowed.
  • Head protectors: only those permitted by FIFA are allowed.
  • Spectacles: are allowed if they are sports spectacles and are safe for the players themselves and for other players. Materials such as metal or glass are not accepted.

    IFAB Decision Concerning Headscarves
    July 12, 2012

    At its meeting on 5-July, 2012, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) “:agreed to unanimously approve – temporarily during a trial period – the wearing of headscarves. The design, colour and material permitted will be defined and confirmed following the IFAB Annual Business Meeting in Glasgow in October.” This ruling came into effect immediately following the
    meeting.

    The CSA requires that this be upheld. While this directive allows for the wearing of headscarves, until such time as the IFAB issues any further instructions Referees are still reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that the headscarf is safe and does not pose a danger to the wearer as well as other participants. “Equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the Referee and determined not to be dangerous”, according to Law 4 of the Laws of the Game, page 67.

    Further instructions will be communicated following the IFAB’s annual business meeting in October.

3. Orthopedic supports, e.g. knee braces

FIFA Circular 863 states that the vast majority of commercially manufactured supports are safe to use.  These items pose less of a hazard than players accidentally banging heads, for instance.  The major concern is not the hardness of the equipment alone, rather it should be whether any part of it can cut or wound another player.  Any support must be safe for all players, and adequately padded if necessary.

4. Casts

A player may not use equipment that is dangerous to himself or another player.

Modern protective equipment made of soft, lightweight, padded materials are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.

Hard plaster casts are considered to pose a danger to both the wearer and other players and are not permitted to be worn. The practice of padding a hard plaster cast does not reduce the element of danger.

Players wearing a soft cast will be permitted to play if the cast does not present a danger to the individual or any other player.

The referee will make the final decision as to the acceptability of any cast.

Any player who usees a cast with the intent to intimidate or injure an opponent shall be cautioned or sent off.

CSA Players Wearing Casts Policy

5. Footwear

Referees are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of Players equipment. Poorly maintained studs or blades on the sole of the boot can constitute a danger.  When inspecting footwear, officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blades or studs developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction.

These burrs can become very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations to opponents.  A referee who is concerned over the condition of blades or studs should refuse their use until such time as the unsafe condition has been removed.

6. Jerseys

  • All jerseys must have sleeves;
  • The players may not roll the sleeves up or tie them at the shoulder level; and 
  • A player who removes his/her jersey to celebrate a goal will receive a caution for unsporting behavior.

Disciplinary actions

The player(s) will be instructed to remove the dangerous item.  A player who, after having been told to remove jewelry, wears it again will receive a caution.  If play is stopped to administer a caution the restart shall be an indirect free kick taken from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped.

It is hoped that this approach will help everyone to make sure that all players are able to take part in the game while paying due attention to their own safety and that of their opponents.