Question Number: 2096

Law 4 - Players Equipment

RE: Youth football Under 12

Mr Graham Allen of Southampton, Hampshire England asks...

Why is it that at Youth level football players are told to remove all articles that may be dangerous on the field of play (eg. Earings, Neck Chains etc)when the profesional players are seen with neck chains blaitently being seen on TV. the worst offender in this country is the Manchester United Keeper who seems to have a tigers tooth on a piece of black rope!!!!!!.I acept that the rule is great but an example must be set by the professionals & Referees should enforce it.

Answer provided by Referee Starr

I don't have "THE" answer but perhaps an answer. As an adult, a player can make up their mind whether what they are wearing poses a danger to themselves or not. Other players are making the same decision. Youth players do not have the capacity to determine that on their own so we enforce the safety rule to the tightest interpretation to prevent injuries to youth (and to avoid litigation). Hope this helps.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Your observations of inconsistancy between elite and youth levels are well founded. It is a difficut task to ask our youth to do as we say not what they see. But Mr Starr is correct our obligation is to the safety of our youth not rationalizing the elite perspective.
Cheers