Question Number: 20111

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/29/2008

RE: competitive Under 17

Donna Mello of portsmouth, RI usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20080

I am extremely thankful for your answers to my questions about arm casts being allowed in soccer games. I am concerned that the referee was noted as the possible culprit and not the cast itself. In the FIFA BYLAWS in states 'A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player including any kind of jewelery'. How can a cast NOT be considered dangerous whether it's wrapped or not? The one worn by the player that injured my son had it somewhat wrapped. We can't take the slightest chance to rely only on the officials to check. I know WE did and my son was not kept out of danger. To ensure the safety of ALL players, it makes the most sense to include casts along with jewelery. Brain injuries are far TOO serious to take so lightly and rely so heavily on one person's assessment. The player with the cast should take the time to heal like all other injured players...and keep our players safe. My son's injury could have been a lot worse...lets not wait until a fatality or severe nuerological damage occurs...it's just NOT worth it!! Regards, Donna Mello

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It is true as an opinion the referee decides ultimately what is or is not safe unless it is a written by law or policy that says absolutely yes or no. I have seen players play with a padded cast without doing it in a dangerous manner and to be truthful even on a few occassions allowed players with a brace or a foam cast to play without incident. I do inspect such things and take the responsibility seriously and warn the kids to not use the casted arm in any forceful challange or manner. I generally ask the coach of the opposition if he has any concerns and factor that into a decision as well. I am sorry to here of your son's injury and understand the concern. Perhaps you are correct if there was a blanket policy to not allow any cast it would be for the best.
Cheers
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If only we made the rules! The referee can only enforce the Laws as they are written, with any modifications which may be added by the leagues/associations for whom the referee works as an independent contractor. Most referees would be loathe to allow a cast in youth games because of the obvious danger to the casted player of re-injury - not to mention the danger to others. But unless it is in the league rules, some referees either don't understand or don't have the courage to tell a player, the coach and the parents that the player cannot play with a cast because in the referee's opinion it poses an unacceptable danger to the player and others. Period.

The South Texas Youth Soccer Assoc. has a rule against casts, whether plaster or fiberglass or whatever. It's a good rule, IMHO, because youth leagues are where new referees cut their teeth. A new referee may not understand the danger a cast can pose, both to the player wearing it, and to anyone who may be struck with it - intentionally or accidentally. By instituting such a rule, the association has done the the referee's work for her. At some point the referee will understand and will not need the training wheels - at least most won't. But until then, it's a nice safety net. Having been in your shoes as a mother of soccer players, I can empathize entirely.

You will see casts at the professional and semi-professional level, and occasionally at the adult recreational level but not often, and I can assure you the referee has made it very clear prior to the game that any use of the cast as a weapon or in any other inappropriate manner will earn the player an early trip to the showers.

What I have never quite figured out is why it is so important for a player whose limb is so injured it requires casting to be able to play? You'd think the parents would sensibly want the child to heal thoroughly before playing again. But then I forget it is not just a game for many.

It is up to the parents of the kids who play to force leagues to institute such rules. The referees can only enforce the rules, not make them. Our only recourse is to decide the cast is a danger to the player and or other players, which is a power we have under the Laws of the Game.

So, work with your leagues. Talk to physicians and emergency personnel and collect evidence. Be a force for change!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Working in a state which does allow casts, I can assure you that I check casts thoroughly for safety. I also tell the player that because the cast is bigger and heavier than an arm without the cast, even if it is padded it can become dangerous and if I see that happening in the game I will ask the player to leave the field (with a substitution).

I also commonly ask players if they have permission from their doctor to play. (NFHS school rules require that the player have a signed medical release before they are allowed to play; USYS does not require that.) If it's a younger child, I ask the parents as well. I too am confounded, if the player needs a cast to protect the bones during normal day-to-day activities, why they would even consider participating in athletic events. But absent a rule from the State or League, it is not my job to determine whether or not it is appropriate for the player to play. I can only judge the relative safety of the padding.