Question Number: 31160

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 1/6/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31157

Regarding modification to Law 4 (Players Equipment) that Luther of Long Island enquired about, it made me think of a situation presented a few seasons back.

As 4th official in a Final, I quickly became the most un popular guy when I advised an incoming substitute player that she would not be able to enter the FOP while wearing earrings.
Her argument was that they don't come out. Mine was she will not be going in.

After a bit of 'debate' she walked away.

10 or so mins later she reappeared ready to enter the match. A quick check and she was given the all clear.

The passion and commitment for her team and the moment was such that she apparently found someone with tools in their car to break apart the jewellery.

Must admit, it was a great feeling to see her enter the match.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
Over many years I have had plenty of arguments about jewellery. I have had many players tell me that the stud could not come out until they were not allowed play. I am never surprised when it gets removed before play or before the substitution is allowed.
In my part of the world a player recently lost his ring finger in a training session due to an injury from a ring. A very unpleasant and nasty injury. I began to think how I would as a referee would have had to deal with that had it happened in a game. Each referee should ask themselves that question when doing an equipment check and any arguments that develop over jewellery. The answer will make their decision for them.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Russell,
Yes, it's surprising how often, when the 'irresistible force' of the law meets the 'immovable object' of a piece of jewellery, the supposedly immovable object suddenly becomes (re)movable after all.