Question Number: 16287

Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/12/2007

RE: Select Under 15

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

Equipment Checks for Players

Instead of doing the traditional "Line-Up" equipment check for players, the NFHS prefers that referees check with the coaches to see if their players are properly equipped and do an informal walk through among the teams before the game starts to scan for players being properly equipped.

Which way do you recommend for U14 Select Soccer; the traditional line-up or the NFHS way?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Well NFHS, this year, has the inane rule that if a player is incorrectly attired the coach gets cautioned. I suppose they think this will make them see to compliance with respect to uniforms. Problem is referees may or may not know this. Of those that do know of this change probably 20% will notice an incorrect uniform and caution the coach. The one's that don't know of the change...

There is no need to do a "traditional" line-up because there is no tradition for doing this. It is just done in America. Most other places, even the youth leagues, have club houses and the team uniforms get checked there. BEFORE the come out to the field. That, too is where the list of players and substitutes are obtained.

I just look at the uniform when the player presents his credentials. Don't make a big production of it, if OK collect his player pass and allow him to compete. If not OK give the pass back and he either corrects his uniform or doesn't play.

If you're on a US high school match and you have asked a player to correct his uniform and later you find he hasn't caution him and ask him to leave the field of play to correct his uniform. Remember, too, at the next legal substitution opportunity he may be replaced by a substitute should rule 3 be correctly complied with.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Aw, a 'traditional' line up is fun! Where else can you meet all the players and ask to not be told about their body jewelry, to stick out their tongues (studs) and measure their shin guards? Of course, we can't check for sharpened cleats any more, sigh. Oh, and I forgot, we definitely need to make sure their undergarments don't show even a fraction if they are even remotely a different color. And for heaven's sake, why would I miss an opportunity to lecture the players about what I don't want to see during the game? JUST KIDDING! I've done the line-ups and the walk abouts, and whichever one depended on age group, their expectations, my read of the match, etc. A line-up does give you a moment to visit in a friendly professional manner with all of the players, and if you are unfamiliar with the teams, to get an initial 'read' on the players - who is who, etc. You can answer any questions they might have (usually younger ages) and usually have a laugh. The walk through works well for older youth and amateur players, at least in my experience, as they are warming up, and I collect their cards as I walk about and inspect, as Referee Fleischer noted. What matters most is you do it in a way that is efficient but comfortable for you - it shouldn't take too much time, meets the need for any info for your game report and makes sure nobody is wearing brass knuckles, beads in their hair, or other inappropriately unsafe things.