Question Number: 24824

League Specific 4/16/2011

RE: Under 15

jim of glenford, ohio usa asks...

is it legal to blow a horn,cow bells, during a middle school soccer game and where is the rule for this

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jim
I assume you refer here to spectators. Clearly no one associated with the game such as players, substitutes or bench personnel can do this yet unless there is a local rule there would not be any restriction on supporters doing this.
Many Premier league teams have have all moved to ban vuvuzelas which were used extensively during the World Cup in South Africa. Safety concerns over the use of vuvuzelas in English grounds are twofold: first, it has been argued that the horns could pose a significant noise nuisance; and, second, the vuvuzelas could be used as makeshift weapons by unruly fans. That however is a matter for the clubs to enforce not the referee. The only reference is the NFHS Rules is that the coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs, and administrators.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Many school leagues have adopted local rules against noisemakers. It is not covered by NFHS rules.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Probably not. Most locales prohibit loud noise makers. Except parents and coaches, of course.

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

See Question: 24836