Question Number: 30343

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/25/2016

RE: SAY Under 17

Doug Tann of Morrow, Ohio US asks...

An opponent recently wore a knee brace during a game, however, that brace contained uncovered hard plastic. What are the rules concerning braces? What is acceptable. Several of my players have large bruises from the girl using the plastic as a weapon during close contact plays.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Doug
It is a matter for the referee to decide whether a brace poses a safety risk or not. Most modern braces do not pose any risk and referees do not have an issue with them.
During my playing days I had a knee injury problem. I can assure you that I was more concerned about my own knee safety and the risk posed while playing than considering anything untoward to an opponent with that knee.
I would also point out that an unprotected knee is every much as dangerous as one with a brace if used as a weapon. Referees have been directed to look for challenges that involve a knee or an elbow in such a manner.
Now I personally have never seen a knee brace used as a weapon. It is up to the referee to judge whether the challenges and contact between players are fair and legal. I believe that any referee would plainly see the use of the knee (with the help of a visual from a brace) into opponents causing hard contact as foul play and also unsporting conduct. I would also expect that players would be complaining to the referee about unfair challenges that used a knee or an elbow in such an unfair way.
In my game at the weekend a player had a soft blue knee support sock and it attracted my attention every single time he was involved in play. Not because it was in any way a danger, as it was just a sock, just that it was different from all the other players. If he used his knee unfairly I would have spotted it instantly. I also believe that the use of the knee like the elbow is a very recognisable action in any challenge.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Doug,
The referee makes a decision on whether something worn is a danger to that player or to others.
For a knee brace, any protruding hard parts would certainly be dangerous. If it's hard plastic that conforms to the knee - the argument could still be made that it's dangerous, but the argument could also be made that the knee itself is likely to be harder than the plastic that's covering it. So the item itself may not be dangerous.
The other risk with protective equipment is that players may abuse the protection they offer by going into tackles with less regard for injury. If that's the case then the referee needs to be dealing with the manner of tackles and recognising when fouls may occur even if the ball is collected first.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

Hello Doug,
certain associations will have bylaws in place to give some direction as to what sort of braces/casts can be utilized. I have seen players trying to play with very extensive braces to take part in a game they love but realistically they need to play at less competitive levels..
A hard knee driven into an opponent in an unfair manner can cause significant pain or damage to the recipient. so the brace itself likely possess no more or less danger than that type of unsavory foul. If a referee permits a player with a cast on the arm or a brace on the knee to play he should be cognizant to how the object is utilized during play. If the object IS being used in an unsafe or unfair manner the player must be taken to task for such a venture.

from our pitch to your pitch in the spirit of fair play