Question Number: 24028

Law 5 - The Referee 9/26/2010

RE: Recreational Under 6

Patrick of Summit, NJ USA asks...

I'm coaching 4-5 year olds. At a game today, one of the other kids on the other team had their cleat fly off. My player took possession of the ball and started downt he field. Parents on the other team were yelling at me to stop the game while the player put his cleat back on. I thought a cleat coming off wasn't a situation where you stop play? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Patrick
Play should only be stopped if the player is the ball carrier and it is a danger to the player. The player also has the option under the Laws of kicking the ball away immediately and then it does not arise.
In your case the correct decision was made.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ref McHugh has given the answer for most age groups. Players are responsible for their equipment, and should ensure that it is legal at all times. If a shoe comes off, the player may continue his immediate play, but then must replace it on his own time. We don't stop the game to wait for him. Of course, if the shoe came off because an opponent stepped on his heel, that's a different story.

But these were U-Tiny's. Some of them don't know how to tie shoes yet, and would require parental assistance. I might wait for a neutral moment, and then pause the game to allow the shoe to be tied tightly.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Coach, these are the most little of U-Littles. Of course you stop the game. These aren't soccer players yet, they're just little kids running around and having fun. It's no fun if a 4 year old falls on her face trying to run with only one shoe on. Stop the game, make sure the tyke has her shoe properly affixed and restart the game with a dropped ball is you want to follow the Law. or any way you see fit given the age of these kids. SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY