Question Number: 21166

Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/21/2009

RE: Rec & Select Under 16

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

This question is a follow up to question 21142

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body which appoints and oversees referees at all professional levels in England, recently issued the following statement in this regard:

'PGMOL STATEMENT - JEWELLERY
The PGMOL clarifies the confusion surrounding Ricardo Fuller and jewellery

Over recent weeks since Stoke City's arrival into the Premier League the PGMOL have received a number of letters and emails seeking clarification why contrary to law we allow Ricardo Fuller to wear taped over ear rings.

The fact is that this player does not play wearing ear rings. These are removed prior to kick off and the ear is allowed to be taped for health reasons.'

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Thanks for the article Peter. Not sure I buy it from the beginning but perhaps it is the required policy from now on given the attention concerning it!
Michelle,
California is expected to slide into the sea at some point so it could come true? ;o)
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Here's the statement at refworld.com:

PGMOL STATEMENT - JEWELLERY

THE PGMOL CLARIFIES THE CONFUSION SURROUNDING RICARDO FULLER AND JEWELLERY

Over recent weeks since Stoke City's arrival into the Premier League the PGMOL have received a number of letters and emails seeking clarification why contrary to law we allow Ricardo Fuller to wear taped over ear rings.

The fact is that this player does not play wearing ear rings. These are removed prior to kick off and the ear is allowed to be taped for health reasons.

It further shows 2 pictures. The pieces of tape are very small and I can buy they are just covering a hole as opposed to an earring. I doubt the hole is all that large but could be

Answer provided by Referee Gil Weber

If I recall correctly this player has had his ear lobes considerably stretched to accommodate ear plugs. The holes are CONSIDERABLY larger than those created for pierced ears/earrings.

He removes the plugs before the game and is allowed to tape over the (LARGE) holes since these might, conceivably, catch a finger. I realize that the chances of this happening are probably pretty slim, but he is allowed.

So the tape is not covering jewelry but, rather, covering large holes.

Thus, the 'health' reasons.