Question Number: 15232

Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/21/2007

RE: J.V. High School

Valerie of aurora, CO USA asks...

I have just gaged my ear. If you don't know what that is here: http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Stretching.
I am suppose to wear the gager for a month before I can take it out. In the past we have had a ref who wouldn't allow tape to cover earings. we have also had a ref who gave a yellow card to one of our players with a nose ring, but that is understandale.

What I was wondering was if it is okay to wear plugs, http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Plug.

You would thing it would be okay because they don't stick out at all. But I just want to make sure. So can you wear plugs and still play?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

All items of jewellery are potentially dangerous. The term
"dangerous" can sometimes be ambiguous and controversial, therefore in order to be uniform and consistent any kind of jewellery has to be forbidden.

Players are not allowed to use tape to cover jewellery. Taping jewellery is not adequate protection.

Rings, earrings, leather or rubber bands are not necessary to play and the only thing they can bring about is injury.

Now you have a choice, physical adornment or competing with your friends on the football pitch. Choose well...

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Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

They cannot wear anything that is dangerous. This is the referees discretion as to what is dangerous and what is not dangerous. High school soccer is pretty clear that no jewellery is allowed...period.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I specifically asked US Soccer and the Georgia State SDI when these plugs came out and both said they should not be worn. Knowing that you play soccer, why on earth did you gag your ears before the season was over. Any referee that was allowing taping of earrings should be barred from refereeing for at least a year. We simply cannot ignore rules that impact player safety. Period.

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Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

No Jewelery (anything worn that is not required by law 4 or subject to a medical or religious exemption). Period.

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