Question Number: 32761

Law 18 - Common Sense 9/30/2018

RE: Select Under 16

Sadie of Vancouver , B.C Canada asks...

I have a tiny cartilage hoop earring in. I cant get it off for some reason and I was wondering if it would be ok to play with. Its so small that if I got hit in the head I dont think it would do damage and its way to small woth get caught on someones clothes or anything.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sadie
Unfortunately the answer is no as the Laws of the Game explicitly state no jewellery.
In the past I have had to say to players that I could not allow them to play because they could not remove the offending jewellery. It did get removed when they knew they would not be playing!
Some players take the chance of taping the offending item and it might not get picked up in the pre match inspection particularly if the tape is small and unnoticeable. If it does get picked up the referee would be obliged to have it removed before allowing a player to play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Sadie,
there are those who will ignore it whether or not the LOTG say no jewelry. There are those that will not even notice it but for the conscientious referee who does, you will be asked to remove it, Now you can cover it or add a little makeup to conceal it and it may escape detection. It will depend on what level of play and how bad you want to play as to whether removing this bit of fluff is important to you or not. The thing is it is your choice but the referee has none if he follows the LOTG.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Sadie,
Unfortunately, according to the Laws of the Game, absolutely no jewellery is allowed to be worn. A referee who is following the Laws strictly will not permit a player wearing jewellery to take part. As my colleagues have mentioned, you might get lucky and be able to get away with it but it would be a better and more reliable solution if you could manage to remove the item. You say you can't remove it but you don't really know the reason, so if you could figure out what is preventing its removal and get it to come out, that would be better all around for everyone.