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Question Number: 17782

Law 4 - Players Equipment 11/8/2007

RE: Northern Ireland amateur league Adult

Matt Quinn of Belfast, Northern Ireland asks...

I have a broken arm, and it is in plaster parace. Do the rules allow me to play with it? What about fibreglass casts?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

There is nothing in the Laws of the Game to prevent you from wearing it - except the referee's opinion under Law 4 on whether it is safe to do so. The referee will take into consideration the size & weight of the cast, and whether or not you use it inappropriately on the field. Even if you start with permission to play, if the cast is used as a weapon or is used in any manner deemed by the referee to be dangerous to you or any other player, you will no longer be allowed to play in that game. The referee's decision on when or if you get to play is final.



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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

While the Laws do not address it, some league rules totally prohibit playing with casts, splints, etc. You will have to check.

If you do play, it should be padded so it will not hurt another player. Even so, a cast is heavier than an arm without a cast, and the referee may say that the extra weight makes it dangerous in case of contact with another player.



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