Question Number: 30770

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/16/2016

RE: Competitive Under 14

Mark Rochin of Antioch, CA United States asks...

Can a player play with a cast if it's covered with bubble wrap?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
It all depends on the type of cast and the opinion of the referee as to whether it is a danger to opponents or not. Bubble wrap might be okay for light casts yet the heavy full Plaster of Paris casts would be difficult to render safe with bubble wrap.
http://www.clipartkid.com/images/852/arm-in-plaster-royalty-free-stock-photo-image-34815255-xaPAKJ-clipart.jpg
On these questions in the past I have pointed out that the cast is there for a reason which is to render the limb immobile. Playing soccer is in my opinion not a good idea until the limb has fully healed and then the limb can be protected with a light protective cast which can be covered. That poses no risk to the player or opponents.
http://www.clipartkid.com/images/852/arm-in-plaster-royalty-free-stock-photo-image-34815255-xaPAKJ-clipart.jpg

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It depends on two things.

First, some league rules will prohibit all casts, splints, etc.

Second, the cast as padded must be considered safe by the referee. I allowed it in our leagues, because there was no specific prohibition. But I warned the players that the cast made their arm heavier (even a fiberglass cast), and if they ended up swinging it around like a club that was the end. Even if they didn't mean to strike someone, an accidental blow with a heavier object could do some harm.

If parents were around at the time I was asked about the cast, I would inquire if the doctor said it was OK to play. I wasn't going to ban the player, but it gave the parents something to think about.