Question Number: 17382

Law 5 - The Referee 10/18/2007

RE: Competive Under 19

Alexander Rose of Salem, Oregon U.S.A. asks...

I am 23 years old and a state referee class one and i plan on working twards my grade 4 and i was wondering would me having a knee brace effect my chances of becoming a professional referee?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Alex,
first off congratulations on getting to the level you already obtained!
I do not have a say therefore my opinion is my opinion. If others see your brace they may form a perception that you are not in the best condition at that level and your mobility is compromised. As my colleagues mention if you can get the knee fixed so a brace is not necessary it will not allow that perception to cloud the issue of how good or how fast you need to be.
If the knee brace does not prevent you from passing the physical then in my opinion it is not a **legitimate** reason to be denied. I wish you well in your pursuit. Keep the game fun in your heart and soul. Stay away from the black holes! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Congrats Alex. There is nothing written in the Referee Administrative Handbook regarding the wearing of orthopedic supports by a national referee. I have not seen one referee a professional level match with a brace, even an elastic warp. Reason? It just isn't done. When a referee walks on the pitch players form an instant impression of him. Usually the wearing of a brace leads to a negative opinion. Get the knee fixed before declaring would be my recommendation.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Alex,

Good job. You and I are in roughly the same boat. Though, I've been managing my knee pain with visits to the doctor - I could not fathom wearing a knee brace on a pro match - it's just not done at that level.

In your local amateur matches, I wouldn't worry about it much, there it may be best to protect your body with a brace if need be.