Question Number: 20287

Law 18 - Common Sense 10/17/2008

RE: Competitive Under 14

Tyler Thompson of oveido, florida United States asks...

Hello. I'm a 13 year old competitive team soccer player, and I'm also on a normal non-competitive Lutheran school soccer team. In a couple of days my school team is going to a tournament. Then, in a week we'll go to a state tournament. The problem is, last week I broke my thumb in a soccer game. I have a hard cast that is almost up to my elbow for three weeks. I have a MD note that says I can play. I also have all of the padding ( 1/2 in thick high density foam, and a bandage to wrap around it too). I know that the decision is up to the ref... I respect that. But in my expiriance, being hit by boney arm hurts alot more than being hit by a padded arm. I've tested the padding too and there is no way my arm is hurting anyone. I know its the ref's job to keep every player safe, but honestly there is no way my arm is hurting anyone in any circumstances. However, I had a game yesterday, and the ref wouldn't let me play. All I want is to know what influences the ref to make the descision that I can't play even when I am throughly protected and all of the players wouldn't be hurt by my arm. Please reply, thank you!!!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The rules of the competition may specify no casts or braces; if so, then you're out of luck. Otherwise it is up to the referee to decide if your padding is sufficient or not. I tend to concur with you, that a padded cast is often less hard than an unpadded elbow, knee or head. But if you use the cast as a club, especially if it's a full arm cast, it can give the arm a much higher weight and much higher force - so don't do that!

By the way Tyler, this isn't a blog or IM. The panel members craft their responses to questions, and then confer with each other by email if necessary to resolve any differences. Sometimes we must consult higher authorities. It all takes time. We strive to answer questions within about 2 days. Asking multiple times doesn't make the process any quicker.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

You'll have to wait and ask the referee on whatever games you play in, dear. It is always up to the referee on the game to make the decision, and all the asking of other referees up to that point gets a player nowhere.

I would not let you play - because my state association says you can't, and more importantly, because I don't think it is safe for young players particularly to be playing with or against others wearing a cast.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I suspect Florida has the same rule on casts that Georgia has which is no casts, period. If no such rule then it's up to the referee as to whether it's safe. Keep in mind that the referee must consider the safety of the other players not just your safety.
The MD note doesn't mean anything if Florida has a rule not allowing casts. Likewise your assertion that your cast couldn't possibly hurt anyone is also meaningless. At your age group you could bubble wrap the cast as much as you want and I'd doubt I'd allow it if it were up to me. It's the referee's responsibility and duty to protect ALL the players and we take this very seriously