Question Number: 31714

High School 8/16/2017

RE: 7 High School

Frances McDaniel of Shady Spring, West Virginia United States asks...

What should a official do if a player is on the field and has an earring taped. Get her off the field? I think it should be as soon as the official sees it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Frances
NFHS has somewhat of a different approach to this than a FIFA game. If the pre match check is done properly in both codes then it should be picked up at that point so the need to intervene during the game as it does not arise.
If the ear ring is noticed then play need not be stopped and the player is asked to leave the field of play at the next stoppage and the coach is cautioned. The player must be removed and may be replaced at the time of the caution to the coach. The removed player may re enter at the next legal substitution opportunity only after reporting to an official who shall be satisfied the players equipment and uniform are in order.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws of the Game state:

For any infringement of this Law play need not be stopped and the player:
• is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct the equipment
• leaves when play stops, unless the equipment has already been corrected

A player who leaves the field of play to correct or change his equipment must:
• have the equipment checked by a match official before being allowed to
re-enter
• only re-enter with the referee's permission (which may be given during
play).

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Frances,

Because there is no immediate cause for concern, wait until the next stoppage of play. Stop the clock. Have the player go to the team area. If it is the first violation for illegal equipment, caution the coach. If the coach has already been cautioned for illegal equipment, caution the player. Allow the team to substitute and allow any substitutes that have checked in to enter the game. Restart the game as it would have restarted as a result of the stoppage.

When the player with the earring re-enters the game, check that she is now legal.

It is now recommended that officials have an informal check of all players before the game. Hopefully, the illegal earring can be spotted at that time, and the coach is asked to make certain that the player removes the earring before entering the game.

I hope that you have a successful fall season.