Question Number: 16754

League Specific 9/17/2007

RE: Competive Under 14

Rachelle Lopez of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16072

My daughter has to wear a knee brace when playing soccer. I understand that this equipment could be dangerous to itself and others, but I read it somewhere that as long as the equipment is covered or padded a player could play with it. My daughter was able to play the first weekend of league and then this past weekend different referees on her games did not allow her to play. I also found out that her name was on the list of the referee (wearing a knee brace). I thought that it is to the referees decision, but it seems like the whole referee association has made up their mind regarding her knee brace. Is this legal?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

CYSA CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, GENERAL PROCEDURES, SPECIFIC RULES, PIMS:

PIM 00-2 PLAYERS USE OF CASTS AND SUPPORTIVE BRACES

Players wearing orthopedic casts, braces (metal, carbon fiber, hard plastic, and like devices), or splints (air or metal) shall not be
eligible to participate in any game, practice, tryout or training session. ( Reference Section 3:08:01)

This is not your league making up something to prevent your daughter from competing. It is CYSA's written policy.

In American high school competition using NFHS rules a brace and sleeve is acceptable provided all the usual wickets are passed in the right order.

Regards,