Question Number: 32966

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 1/10/2019

RE: Rec Adult

Carlos Rivas of Tampa, FL United States asks...

I might have to get a splint for my thumb I injured playing basketball. Can I play in a soccer match with the splint on?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Carlos
It depends very much on the type of splint.
If it is a soft which poses no risk to an opponent then very likely that it is okay. A hard metal splint is unlikely to be allowed although it is very much up to the referee on the day.
In addition as Referee Voshol points out there can be a local *no cast* rule in Underage so there is no discretion on the matter.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It will also depend on your league rules. Some have rules that state no splints, casts, braces, etc. whatsoever. Others may have rules that allow such devices, provided they are properly padded so as to not be a hazard to any other players.

Whatever the rules and the referee say, you must evaluate for yourself if the risk of re-injury should keep you from playing until you are healed.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Carlos,
This is normally up to the referee to decide. The basic principle according to the Laws of the Game (and the very first sentence in Law 4 - The Player's Equipment) is that:

''A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.''

This means anything that is dangerous either to other players or to the player themselves.

As ref Voshol says, there might also be league rules that would apply though in my personal experience that is more common in youth leagues than in adult settings.

I think you should also perhaps ask yourself whether it is worth playing with a splinted thumb that might possibly be further injured - or, if you are still under the care of a medical professional, you might like to ask them if it is advisable to play while you are still injured.