Question Number: 23861

Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/31/2010

RE: travel premier Under 13

Liz of Stratford, CT US asks...

My daughter fractured her wrist (at a soccer game!). It was a 'minor' break or so they tell me, which is also known as a buckle fracture. The wrist was casted. The orthopedic indicated that she can continue to play soccer (games and practies)as long as we wrap the cast in bubble wrap. Will she be able to participate at games? The coach didn't know if the league rules allowed this but he didn't think that she would be permitted to play (CJSA, Connecticut)and I can't find anything in the league rules and regulations addressing this issue. Is it up to the individual referee?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Some state youth associations have a rule prohibiting casts and splints of any type. So if your league doesn't address it, you may have to look to the state level.

Absent any league rules, it will be up to the referee. If she feels the cast is padded sufficiently to make it safe for both your daughter and the other players, she will be allowed to play. And you may get a different opinion from week to week.

You might ask your orthopedic physician for a note releasing her to play with padding. You should also clarify any risks your daughter might be taking if she plays, and whether those risks are worth a few games played by adolescents.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
In the absence of a competition rule it is a matter for the individual referee. I personally will not allow a player with a cast to play as the danger it poses is too great. If the arm is raised accidentally and makes contact with a player's head it can cause all sorts of injuries.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

If there is nothing in the rules, it will be up to the individual referees to confirm that it is safe (both for the player and everyone else).

As parents, we faced this issue with our kids. I was disappointed at the time that our doctor wouldn't release our child for a tiny fracture for 6 weeks. Years later, I praise that doctor. In the interim, we saw a few players seriously affected by a reinjury.

Dennis

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I went to the CJSA site and likewise could find nothing either regarding casts. I would recommend calling their office. If there is no State policy or local league policy, it will be up to the referee at her game.

Keep in mind that your doctor is concerned with the fracture.The referee will be concerned with what damage the padded cast may do to other players. I wouldn't allow it at your age level as I don't think your daughter (or any 13 year old) can control the arm so as to not accidently injure other players

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 23886