Question Number: 16628

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/10/2007

RE: AYSO U10 Under 9

Martin Olivas of Rome, NY USA asks...

My son broke his wrist 3 weeks ago. The doctor has signed a release, allowing him to play as long as the cast has a 1/2 inch padding put on it during the game. The cast was wrapped with padding and secured with an ace bandage. I cannot find anything stating that my son would not be permitted to play. He had his first soccer game this past Saturday (7 Sep 07) and the referee said he could not play due to having a "hard cast". Could you please clarify this ruling? He plays in the AYSO REGION 405 league. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Martin. This is out of your Dr's hands. New York, like Georgia, may have a no cast rule. If they do, that's that. Also, Law 5 of the Laws of the Game give the referee the right to decide what is safe and what is not. The cast may be safe for your son but not for the other players. At the age you cite I would NEVER,EVER allow a player to play with a cast as these young kids play with very little control and would present a real danger to the other players. Remember, the referee's first responsibility is player safety and the referee is more of an expert than your MD when it comes to assessing the safety of players.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

If in fact AYSO does not specifically state a policy which says that a player with a padded must be allowed to play, then the referee didn't allow your son to play because in that referee's opinion, the cast was considered unsafe (a danger to the player or to other players) -- The doctor's release is only a step towards getting approval to play. It is not THE final approval. That rests solely with the referee and the referee's opinion for that match.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If your doctor has, in his release, assumed personal and financial responsibility for all players, spectators and referees that could possibly be injured or killed by your son's cast striking them I still wouldn't let him play if I felt it was unsafe to anyone. The referee makes the decision as to what is safe for the players on his field, NOT a doctor who may or may not know anything about Football. I have allowed U-19's to play with an ace wrap and told them that if they use it as a weapon the least that will happen is a caution for unsporting behaviour. Even with that warning it was used as a weapon. Kids do not understand the harm they can cause, they are immortal and play that way.

As a mom you should be concerned about what else your son can break if he falls on his cast, runs into something with his cast or is run over by a larger player. I tend to think letting him mend is a really good idea.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee has the final say on if he feels the cast is dangerous to other players. It sounds like the referee felt your sons cast posed a threat to the safety of his opponents. Therefore, your son could not play. The referee is correct in this proceedure. (See Law 4 and 5 of the laws of the game.)

I know it's not the most fun, but it is the most safe. Let your kid heal, he'll have plenty of time to play soccer, if you help him stay healthy and I'm sure as a parent that is exactly what you do anyway.

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