Directives (3)

3. Players Equipment - Safety
2008/09 Directives

Match Officials are reminded that Law 4 states: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)”




*
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.
* Undershorts, where worn by players, are to be of the same main colour as the shorts.
* Match Officials are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of players’ equipment. This will take place in the tunnel immediately prior to the game.

Boot manufacturers have recently been experimenting with designs and some of those designs give cause for concern. The use of blades on the sole of the boot is an example of such concern.

The Football Association have offered the following guidelines:

“When inspecting footwear officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blade developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction.

These burrs are very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations on opponents. If match officials are concerned over the condition they should refuse to sanction their use until they have been made safe.

If evidence emerges during the game e.g. torn stockings, lacerations, you may wish to follow up the inspection with the player(s) concerned during a stoppage.”

Referees are to report any instance where the kick-off has been delayed, as a result of the footwear inspection.