Question Number: 18962

Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/2/2008

RE: Competive Adult

Billie-Kay Kerle of Beerwah, Queensland Australia asks...

Is the law preventing players from wearing skins (long tights) They are the same colour as the players shorts.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

In Queensland? How cold does it get there? Although I do believe I recently read a report about an early snowfall in AUS, so maybe this is a topical question.

In youth play we often allow players to wear warmer clothing, when the weather conditions merit. Which is why I somewhat facetiously asked about your weather. I'd imagine a really cold day there is maybe 10*C. We wouldn't think of wearing anything but shorts in balmy weather like that. Try playing at 1*C while it's raining, or even a few degrees below zero and there's snowflakes in the air. We are directed to let the kids dress warmly so they may enjoy the game.

The problem that can arise is when a player wants to wear the leggings or windpants in warmer weather. The ref begins to wonder why. Surely not to make it easier for the player to avoid scrapes and grassburns when slide tackling. Players would never stoop to that, would they? (OK, please excuse me while I try to pry my tongue loose, which has seemed to become imbedded firmly in my cheek.)

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Current Law allows the wearing of undergarments if the main colour of the sleeve is the same as the main colour of the shirt it is worn under AND under the shorts if they are the same main colour as the shorts.

For myself, being a guy sort of a guy, I simply don't understand why another guy is so obsessed with wearing a girdle under his Football kit...

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile