Question Number: 32351

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 4/4/2018

RE: Rec Girls Under 14

karl dillon of Manchester, United Kingdom asks...

My ex wife has got my 13 yr old daughter Acrylic nails over the Easter holiday and she is worried she will not be able to play in her U13 girls football league matches while she wears them, is there an official line on this ?

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Karl
Nail length is not a consideration for referees. The Laws only require that a player does not wear any jewellery or anything that could prove dangerous such as heavy cast, metal brace etc.
Long nails is of no concern to a referee and it does not form part of any inspection. I even doubt many would know the difference anyway between acrylic and natural nails!! I would not.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Karl.
nails are usually not an issue fake or otherwise!
I suppose if they were usually long and pointed weaponized in a sense it could be an issue. I suppose there COULD be a bylaw limiting the length of natural or acrylic nails could be looked at but in all honesty long nails is not an active issue over my career. Is it now?
Cheers