Question Number: 16650

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/12/2007

RE: Class 1 Adult

Lyn Nielsen of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

In what circumstances would a player be allowed to play with a chunky necklace?

I saw this allowed in the game between Ghana & Australia at the Women's World Cup.

I have been told that as a referee I must ensure that all jewellry is removed as it is classed as dangerous and that this is a FIFA rule.

Can anyone help me here? Am I doing the right thing or should I be allowing it as the FIFa Referees did in the gme I mentioned?

Lyn

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The FIFA laws of the game prohibit players from wearing dangerous equipment. Jewelery is usually considered dangerous equipment, though some exceptions have been made if the jewelery is religious in nature and NOT dangerous.

I would personally venture to say that one of the most dangerous pieces a jewelery a player can wear is a necklace. If a player is running and an opponent grabs the necklace the player wearing the necklace could be choked or even run the risk of being cut in a corridor of major arteries and veins, the force of a backward pull could even in theory cause a broken neck or a cervical-spinal injury (which causes paralisis below the point of the spinal injury, in this case all things below the neck.)

So, I can't see how wearing a necklace is safe at all.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Why oh why do these referees in pro and international matches continue to make it harder for those of us in the trenches at youth games?

Of course the necklace is not allowed. If it was a symbol that was *required* by the player's religion, it could be worn if it was made as safe as possible. For me, that would be by taping it down completely. "Worn" doesn't necessarily mean "visible". Please note that to the best of my knowledge, the Catholic Church does not require wearing a crucifix or saint medallion! If you have some required religious apparel or jewelry that might be questioned, you should get a letter from your religious authority and present it to the league before the season. No need to get into a lengthy discussion at the field before the game starts.

And when the next little girl that saw this player wearing the necklace says it was OK in the World Cup, I have the answer for her. "When you play in the World Cup, you can ask that referee if you can wear your necklace. Not today in this game."

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

You are absolutely right! I will have to ask Kari about that when she gets back.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

After every international week referees all over the world are heard saying "I don't care if a FIFA referee allowed it on his match; today it's dangerous and you are not permitted on the field while wearing it" Stick to your guns, you're right.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

NEVER! No jewlrey...period.