1. Law 4: The Players' Equipment (what the Law says). Go Back to the Top of this Page

During the very first international football match between Scotland and England in 1872, players not only wore "knickerbockers" or long pants but bobble hats or caps too. The head dresses were a normal part of the footballing attire at the time and lasted well into the 20th century. (FIFA)

Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).  Click here for the FIFA Circular Aug 2003 'Players Wearing non-Compulsory Equipment'

FA advice can be found here and is shown below also. 
"All jewellery, with the exception of a plain wedding ring, must be removed. Wedding rings must be rendered safe by taping to the satisfaction of the Referee. The Referee’s decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play.

Advice on the inspection of footwear and jewellery By John Baker FA England.
(The article below appeared in the FAMOA Journal June 2004) 

Recently, there has been an increase in local and national press commenting on the safety of footwear. Some articles have focused on particular styles of studs, bars or blades. 

As referees we have to concern ourselves with trying to ensure that playing conditions are safe for everybody involved. Players need to take the greatest responsibility, but referees have to play their part as well. 

We do not need to get involved in an argument as to whether blades maybe more of a hazard than studs. Our concern must be to be sure that whatever the players are wearing constitutes no danger to themselves or others. 

We therefore offer the following advice: 

The Referee's role is to inspect footwear and jewellery before each and every match. 

I have therefore reproduced below an amended version of the directive we have issued and followed in the higher levels of the game in recent years. 

Players Equipment - Safety 

Match Officials are reminded that Law 4 states: "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player including any kind of jewellery." 

•           All jewellery, with the exception of a plain wedding ring, must be removed. Wedding rings must be rendered safe by taping to the satisfaction of the Referee. The Referee's decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play. 

•           Match Officials are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of players' equipment. This will take place before entry to the field of play immediately prior to the game. 

Poorly maintained studs or blades on the sole of the boot can constitute a danger. 

The Football Association offers the following guidelines: 

"When inspecting footwear, officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blades or studs developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction." 

These burrs can become very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations on opponents. If match officials are concerned over the condition of the blades or studs, they should refuse to sanction their use until they have been made safe. 

If evidence emerges during the game e.g. torn stockings, lacerations, the referee may wish to follow up the inspection with the player(s) concerned during a stoppage." 

Referees are to report to the Competition any instance where the kick-off has been delayed, as a result of the footwear inspection.

End of the FA advice FAMOA Journal June 2004.

Basic equipment
The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items. 
• a jersey or shirt 
• shorts - if thermal undershorts are worn, they are of the same main colour as the shorts 
• stockings
• shinguards 
• footwear

Shinguards 
• are covered entirely by the stockings 
• are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances) 
• provide a reasonable degree of protection

Goalkeepers 
• each goalkeeper wears colours which distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees.

Infringements/Sanctions
For any infringement of this Law: 
• play need not be stopped 
• the player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct his equipment 
• the player leaves the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play, unless he has already corrected his equipment 
• any player required to leave the field of play to correct his equipment does not re-enter without the referee's permission 
• the referee checks that the player's equipment is correct before allowing him to re-enter the field of play 
• the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play
A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an infringement of this Law and who enters (or re-enters) the field of play without the referee's permission is cautioned and shown the yellow card.

Restart of play
If play is stopped by the referee to administer a caution: 
• the match is restarted by an indirect free-kick taken by a player of the opposing side, from the place where the ball was located when the Referee stopped the match.

Note from webmaster: As mentioned in both Law 3 and 4 - taking the indirect free kick at the place where the ball was when the Referee stopped play is a bit odd – considering that in general, the Laws state indirect free kicks should be taken from the place where the offence occurred (as stipulated in Law 12)

Nevertheless, it’s much the same as the clause in Law 12 that states that an indirect free kick can be awarded for ‘any other offence’ not previously mentioned in Law 12 for which play was stopped to caution or dismiss a player. It is what is known as a ‘catch-all’ clause that allows the Referee to use the indirect free kick for anything that is not a penal offence (direct free kick offence).

As far as Law 3 (The Number of Players) is concerned (and also Law 4 The Players Equipment), and whilst the ball is in play - other infringement (and cautionable) situations not specifically covered in the Laws itself (for example Substitution infringements/goalkeepers changing with outfield players etc) could include the following:

• A bleeding player refuses to leave the field of play when asked to do so by the Referee.
• Following a substitution in the second half, the Referee later notices that the oncoming new player had already been substituted in the first half, and therefore not legally entitled to come back on the field of play in the second half period of play.
• After starting the second half, the Referee notices that one team has 12 players.
• In an attempt to deceive (trick) the Referee, a defending player steps off the field of play and then back on to try and get an opponent penalised for being in an offside position.
• By stepping off the field of play, an offside positioned attacking player indicates to the Referee that he is not taking part in the move. He then steps back onto the field of play to intercept the ball before the move has completed.
• A player refuses to tie up his bootlaces.
• A player refuses to take off a necklace or an earring.

Decisions of the International F.A. Board

• Players must not reveal undershirts, which contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.

• Jerseys must have sleeves.

When slogans and advertising were displayed on an undershirt, the matter could be dealt with by the disciplinary procedures of the competition.

2. When to Check:                       Go Back to the Top of this Page

Notwithstanding the *pre-match requirement to check players equipment,  generally, the best time to check the players' equipment is when the Referee walks onto the field of play - this should allow sufficient time for players to correct any faults. You can also check the players equipment at half-time. Players footwear must also be checked to identify any dangerous studs.

*Some higher competitions require a dressing room check, in which case, substitutes should also be checked when coming onto the field of play. This is not generally required at local park level league games. In international matches, international competitions, international club competitions and friendly matches between clubs of different National Associations, the Referee, prior to the start of the game, is required to inspect the players' equipment and footwear and prevent any player whose equipment does not conform to the requirements from playing until such time as it does comply. The rules of any competition may include a similar provision.

You don’t necessarily have to check every inch of each player, just use your common sense, i.e. sharp finger rings are far more dangerous than small earrings. Look for the obvious things such as:
Are shin guards worn ? Sharp studs! Or is anyone wearing dangerous chains or rings etc......

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player. Shin-guards are a compulsory item of a player's basic equipment. The Law 4 requires that shin-guards provide a reasonable degree of protection. Law 5 states that the Referee ensures that the players equipment meets the requirements of Law 4.

Also check any equipment when alerted during the game, following an injury caused by a sharp stud etc - or when asked to do so by any other player or person.

The referee is the sole judge as to the safety of any equipment.

For some further good advice from USSF, click here.

3. What to look for:                        Go Back to the Top of this Page

Check that teams are in clear distinguishing colours, if not, generally ask the Home Team to provide an alternative strip. It can be very confusing when teams are wearing similar colours. In some competitions, the Away team should provide an alternative strip.

Goalkeepers must wear a colour that distinguishes them from the referee, assistant referees. & other players. Use common sense in allowing a Goalkeeper to wear tracksuit bottoms if required.

The basic equipment consists of: Shirt: Shorts: Socks: Shin-guards: & Footwear.

Any Thermal Under-shirts must be same colour as the shorts:

Shin-guards to be covered entirely by socks and made of suitable material such as rubber/plastic, and provide a reasonable protection.

Details covering advertising in particular, on players and officials clothing are contained in the Wilts. County Handbook.

You can not play in ‘skins’ - i.e. with no shirts on.

Any bleeding player to be asked to leave the field of play for treatment, do not hold up the game pending players return.

Infringements/Sanctions:

The Referee does not necessarily have to stop play immediately for an infringement of  Law 4, thus avoiding any immediate confrontation with the player concerned. However, if the player has not corrected the problem with his equipment by the next time the ball goes out of play, the Referee should instructed him to leave the field of play and correct it. The player should not be allowed back on the field of play until the next stoppage, and not until after having satisfied the Referee that everything is in order. In other words - the Referee should check that the player's equipment has been corrected before he can re-enter the field of play: A player who has been prevented from taking part in the game or a player who has been sent off the field of play for infringing Law 4 must report to the Referee during a stoppage of the game and may not enter or re-enter the field of play unless and until the Referee has satisfied himself that the player is no longer infringing Law 4.

If the fault to the player's equipment is dangerous, then the Referee should stop play and ask the player to leave the field of play immediately to correct his equipment.

5. Fourth Official: 

6. Questions and Answers:                  Go Back to the Top of this Page

Additional Questions and Answers provided by FIFA covering all of the Laws of the game, can be found on this web site here. The original FIFA Questions and Answers pdf file can be downloaded from the FIFA web site here.

Question 1: To enable the Referee to determine who has possibly punched a ball in a crowded penalty area, is it true that goalkeepers' shirts must have long sleeves? If a short sleeved arm was seen to be punching the ball away, the Referee could easily see that it did not belong to the goalkeeper.

Answer 1: This is a question that I have come up against several times. I am not sure where it originated from, but the goalkeeper does NOT have to wear long sleeves. In fact, the 2002/2003 season's  Manchester United (and French national team) goalkeeper Barthez always wears short sleeves.  There is nothing in the Laws of the Game stating a goalkeeper must wear a long sleeved jumper. However, it is stated that each goalkeeper must wear colours which distinguish him from the other players, the Referee and the Assistant Referees. This helps Referees to identify goalkeepers in crowded situations within the penalty area.

Question 2: After receiving treatment from the team doctor, a player asks permission to re-enter the field of play. Closer inspection by the Referee reveals that a bandage covering the player's elbow is semi-hard and constitutes a danger to other players. Can the Referee refuse entry onto the field of play, even though the Doctor had placed the covering onto the player’s arm?

Answer 2: The Referee is the sole judge on the suitability of players' equipment. Law 5 states that the Referee ensures that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4 - this covers equipment that is dangerous to the player himself or to other players. In all cases, the Referee (and not the Doctor) makes the decision on the suitability of whether the bandage is safe or not.

Question 3: What is the maximum legal length for replaceable 'screw-in' studs on shoes?

Answer 3: There is nothing in the Laws to state any maximum/minimum dimensions for studs. Some competition rules ask Referees to inspect players’ footwear before play can begin. In these cases common sense should prevail. If the Referee thinks that the studs are too long or are damaged in any way, he can insist in the damaged studs being replaced. Longer studs are used during very wet or muddy conditions, but long studs can also cause injury to the players themselves, when they attempt to turn quickly - resulting in knee or ankle ligament damage because the boot has not been freely and quickly released from the ground. The Referee can refuse to allow a player to play with footwear that in his (the Referee's) opinion is a danger. It is the Referee's decision that counts - and no nobody else's. Some schools and colleges do apply limits to stud dimensions. For example, one school in America has a limit on the length and minimum diameter of replaceable studs - the maximum length in this case being 3/4 inch.

There is also nothing in the Laws to stipulate what material studs should be made of. Materials can include plastic, rubber and even aluminium. The greatest danger with general studs is that they can become very sharp due to damage. This can sometimes occur when players have to walk long distances along roads between the changing rooms and the field of play. Metal studs can sometimes be safer than nylon/hard rubber studs because they don't wear so easily or get sharp. Metal studs are perfectly acceptable - (albeit the I am not totally convinced that they should be allowed.) Some recreational leagues prohibit the use of metal studs. The Referee must read all competition rules to ascertain any particular stipulations covering the checking of footwear.

Question 4: Are players allowed to wear 'bladed studs' on their football boots or jewelry?

Answer 4: On 7 May 04 the following advice was provided by the FA in England on their web site:

Advice on the inspection of footwear and jewellery. 

Recently, there has been an increase in local and national press comment on the safety of footwear. Some articles have focused on particular styles of studs, bars or blades. As referees we have to concern ourselves with trying to ensure that playing conditions are safe for everybody involved. Players need to take the greatest responsibility, but referees have to play their part as well. We do not need to get involved in an argument as to whether blades maybe more of a hazard than studs. Our concern must be to be sure that whatever the players are wearing constitutes no danger to themselves or others. We therefore offer the following advice:

The Referee’s role is to inspect footwear and jewellery before each and every match.

I have therefore reproduced below an amended version of the directive we have issued and followed in the higher levels of the game in recent years.

Players Equipment - Safety

Match Officials are reminded that Law 4 states: "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player including any kind of jewellery."

 - All jewellery, with the exception of a plain wedding ring, must be removed. Wedding rings must be rendered safe by taping to the satisfaction of the Referee. The Referee’s decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play.

- Match Officials are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of players’ equipment. This will take place before entry to the field of play immediately prior to the game.

Poorly maintained studs or blades on the sole of the boot can constitute a danger.

The Football Association offers the following guidelines:

"When inspecting footwear, officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blades or studs developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction.

These burrs can become very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations on opponents. If match officials are concerned over the condition of the blades or studs, they should refuse to sanction their use until they have been made safe.

If evidence emerges during the game e.g. torn stockings, lacerations, the referee may wish to follow up the inspection with the player(s) concerned during a stoppage."

Referees are to report to the Competition any instance where the kick-off has been delayed, as a result of the footwear inspection.

John P Baker
Head of Refereeing
The Football Association

Further advice from John follows: (June 04)

Referees have a "duty of care" to ensure "as far as possible" the safety of players. The inspection of footwear before each game is for the Referee's good as well as the good of the players. Referees have a responsibility to apply the Laws of the Game in respect of players not wearing anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players.
In a society where there is a clear tendency to sue anybody who does not fulfil their responsibilities, Referees should be pro-active in minimising potential problems. It would not be sensible for Referees to ignore this advice and refuse to examine footwear. Referees don't ignore the advice over inspecting the playing area to ensure safety of players. Therefore, inspection of footwear is just as important. If a player's footwear is in a muddy state or covered in dog excrement, then the player has a responsibility to clean them up. It is not good practice for Referees to run their fingers over the studs and receive cuts. A visual inspection should be sufficient to see if the studs are dangerous or not.

The England FA advice above on jewellery is very clear.

"All jewellery, with the exception of a plain wedding ring, must be removed. Wedding rings must be rendered safe by taping to the satisfaction of the Referee. The Referee’s decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play."

Whether or not the Referees on TV take the same action, is not justification for others to follow suit. This is an issue for those responsible for managing them. An individual Referee here in England, who takes their responsibilities seriously, has enough ammunition in the FA guidance above to carry through the requirement, as best he/she can without worrying about what Referees do on TV.

On 10 Dec 2001 the Football Association (FA) in England also confirmed in a letter to all its Referees that football boots with non-conventional studs (e.g. blades) are not banned. This was in response to a number of stories circulating in both the regional and national media regarding the alleged safety of football boots with 'blades' rather than traditional studs. Concerns   had been raised by a number of Referees in England. Non- conventional studs (some of which have been referred to in the media as 'blade studs') are available from a number of different manufacturers. The FA are satisfied that non-conventional studs are no more dangerous than normal studs and should be treated as such under the Laws of the Game. Law 4 and Law 5 make it clear that it is the sole discretion of the Referee which items of equipment may be worn and whether or not items of equipment constitute a danger. Referees must continue to check all equipment before a game in compliance with these laws. Any decision under Law 4 and 5 should not be based on arbitrary judgements such as style, make or manufacturer of equipment or apparel. Referees should refer to the Laws of Associated Football handbook page 17 which states " A Referee is not held liable for any kind of injury suffered by a player, official or spectator. This may include a decision to allow or not allow a player to wear certain apparel or equipment".

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Question 5: Is an outfield player allowed to wear a cap or headgear. Goalkeepers seem to be allowed to wear caps, so why can't outfield players be allowed?

Answer 5: Law 4 does not specifically include headgear as part of players' equipment but see here for a FIFA Circular on this subject. Due the effects of sunlight, goalkeepers are generally allowed dispensation to wear caps, so long as it does not constitute a danger to other players. Sweat bands or head bands are sometimes allowed by Referees to be worn to protect scar tissue - but players should not by Law be allowed to wear decorative items - these are not part of the (Law 4) players’ equipment. Players who wear headgear usually do so for a specific medical reason (or to hold their hair back in place). If the reason is justified and the headgear is not dangerous – then it should be allowed. If the headgear is solely used to give one team an advantage over the other team (such as an attacker who is good at heading the ball wearing a bright coloured cap to be easily identified by his colleagues) then this should not be allowed. The wearing of headgear just for the ‘wearer’s’ sake is against the spirit of the game and should not be allowed.

Difficulties can arise when players of a religious nature insist on wearing their respective headgear. In such cases, the Referee is the sole judge as to whether the headgear constitutes a danger to the player or to other players. Religious headgear may be worn, as long as there is no danger to anyone. No hard cast, or braces with exposed metal parts should be allowed. Headgear worn for medical reasons is sometimes allowed, so long as it is constructed from soft, closed cell material, and the Referee has given his permission.

There has been some discussion on the merits of wearing protective headgear to minimise the damage to a player’s brain when consistently heading the ball – and this has become popular with children’s’ football. But research up to now has proved inconclusive. Methodologically sound research has yet to be completed documenting that there is any unusual risk to children playing soccer as a result of heading.

Heading has recently been associated with diminished mental capacity among professional soccer players and has spawned a new market for manufacturers of athletic equipment. The leading brands of headgear may reduce injury from collision with a goal post or other hard object, but they fail to dampen the impact of heading a soccer ball. A football helmet protects against hard objects, like the ground or another helmet, because it dissipates energy, its size reduces the velocity to the head, and its padding increases the time of impact, softening the blow. Serious head injuries do occur in football – for example, a player in Algeria had died following complications when he landed headfirst after losing his balance in the air while competing for a head ball.

The use of headgear raises a number of questions: Are there dangers from purposeful ball-to-head contact? How dangerous is it for the head when contacting a hard surface like another player’s head, foot, elbow, post etc? These questions have lead to the consideration of head protection in football. Although concussions do occur, it is not purposeful heading of a ball that causes injury. Most all concussions are caused by head contact with some other hard object, such as another head, an elbow, a foot, knee, goal post, or the ground. Currently, the FIFA Laws of the Game do not include protective headgear or helmets as an item of player equipment. Although the Laws are clear as to what includes players’ equipment, the use of additional protective equipment may be allowed in play involving children with mental or physical disabilities. These types of games occur outside the purview of FIFA Laws of the Game, they are adapted for the sake of participation of the individual. Many of these disabled players may participate as individuals and not on "teams" in the normal context.

Question 6: Are players allowed to wear glasses (spectacles) whilst they are playing.


Question 6: As long as the Referee is satisfied that the glasses (spectacles) are not dangerous to the player himself or to other players, then players wearing glasses should be allowed to participate in the game. Players with a stigmatism have been known to play with properly designed sports glasses, which pose no danger to other players or themselves. The Dutch player Edgar Davids always plays with properly designed sporting flexible shatterproof glasses, which do not pose any danger to himself or other players. With glass lenses, there is a great risk that a ball may catch a player in the face and break the glasses. Sharp, broken objects and glass, flying in the eye can cause serious damage. These days, most lenses are constructed with plastic, and therefore the risk is far less. Modern sports spectacles, made of plastic or similar material, are not normally considered to be dangerous and Referees would in such circumstances be expected to allow them to be worn.

The following paragraphs show advice from various sources on this subject.

The FIFA Guidelines, in their Laws of the Game 2005 booklet, states:

New technology has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the players themselves and for other players.

The FIFA Questions & Answers 2005, Law 4 (The Players' Equipment) question number 6 is shown below for guidance:

6. May a player wear spectacles during a match? 

Modern sports spectacles, made of plastic or similar material, are not normally considered to be dangerous and referees would in such circumstances be expected to allow them to be worn.

The 2005 FA 'Advice on the Application of the Laws of the Game' booklet states:

"Spectacles

Modern technology has made spectacles much safer both for the player himself and for other players. The referee has the final decision on the safety of spectacles and should take into account modern technology and the improved safety features of spectacle design when making a decision."

The Football Association Match Officials Association (FAMOA) June 2004 magazine, offered the following useful advice from Ray Oliver (FA Regional Manager)

Wearing of Spectacles or Goggles: 

Football is a contact sport and as such is at moderate risk for eye injuries. Players in preference to contact lenses sometimes wear spectacles or goggles.
Polycarbonate lenses are the most important property of all protective spectacles or goggles. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, and will sustain the impact of a ball or finger. An elasticised band and not just temple pieces should secure the frame. Players must have a means of securing the spectacles or goggles tightly to the head so that they will stay in place during play. A frame with temple support only will not hold tight enough, and a jab from a finger could lift the frame off, and make its way to the eye.
Although sports eyewear is intended to offer the best protection available, there is always the possibility that the wearer may sustain an eye or facial injury due to severe impact or because of the nature of the athletic activity.
Referees should ensure that if a request has been made to wear glasses or goggles, that they must not constitute a danger to himself or to any other player. We are anxious not to put obstacles in the way of players who wish to participate in the game but neither must we compromise safety.

Note: Orthodontic teeth braces also pose some risk to the player wearing them. Lips and mouth can get caught or cut by hard impacts with the ball. Players should be advised to invest in custom-fitted mouth guards to protect their teeth in such cases.

Question 7: During a stoppage in the game, the Referee asks a player to leave the field of play because he is not wearing shin-guards. After returning onto the field of play with the Referee's permission, the same player scores a goal. The Referee suddenly notices that this player is still not wearing shin-guards. What action should the Referee take, and is the goal legal?

Answer 7: Firstly, the Referee should have checked that the player had put on his shin-guards before allowing him to re-enter the field of play.  At the very worst, the Referee could caution the player for not putting on his shin-guards when he had been previously been asked by the Referee to do so. The goal should be allowed to stand.

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Question 8: Are players allowed to wear shin guards that are especially small? This has become a bit of a trend amongst some younger players?

Answer 8: Older players will sometimes wear very small shin-guards clearly meant for much younger minor players. These do not provide the required (Law 4) degree of protection, and the Referee should therefore not permit players to wear them. Law 4 states that shin-guards should provide a reasonable degree of protection. Law 5 also states that the Referee ensures that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4. In this case, the Referee would be within his rights to insist on proper sized shin-guards being worn.

The smaller shin-guards are not as protective as normal-size shin-guards and offer little or no protection. Shin-guards must be worn, and they must be designed to protect the shins and not just some temporary item such as cardboard intended to comply with the letter of the Law, and not the 'spirit of the game'. Shin-guards must be constructed of material sufficiently rigid and hard enough to provide a reasonable protection against injury of the players' legs.

It can be argued that a Referee who insists on such matters is only causing problems between himself and the players before the game even starts, and that if players want to get bruised shins then let them learn the hard way. This of course is nonsense, and the Laws now clearly stipulate that proper shin-guards MUST be worn. The "it will be alright" attitude must be stopped. Young players need to be educated correctly for their own future protection. If all Referees insisted on the correct shin-guards being worn, then everyone will soon be wearing the right shin-guards. I still have a lump the size of an egg on my shin, the legacy of a fierce challenge between myself and a goalkeeper some twenty years ago. I was probably the only one then in my team who always wore shin-guards (before it was made mandatory) I could barely walk for about a week afterwards, BUT I dread to think of the consequences had I not been wearing good quality shin-guards. I still wince when I think about it over twenty years later.

There was a time (before players were made to wear shin-guards) when it was 'trendy' to play with no shin-guards and with the socks rolled down. This resulted in many serious injuries occurring. The wearing of proper shin-guards is to protect players in a vulnerable area of the leg. Players have now started to roll their socks down past their shin-guards in another attempt to look 'trendy'. This must also be stopped - Law 4 states that shin-guards must be entirely covered by the stockings!

Standards should never be lowered just to please players who think it is trendy (or macho!) to expose your shins to opponents.

Question 9: If the colour of the shirts of the two goalkeepers is the same, what should the Referee do if neither has another shirt to change into?

Answer 9: The Referee allows play to begin. (FIFA Questions & Answers Law 4 Q1)

In theory, Law 4 states that: "Goalkeepers must wear a colour that distinguishes them from the Referee, Assistant Referees. & other players". So both goalkeepers should wear different coloured shirts. The reasoning behind this, is to prevent confusion if one of the goalkeepers decides to come upfield. during a corner kick taken in his opponents half of the field of play. Confusion could arise if the defending goalkeeper and the attacking goalkeeper, both contest for the ball in a crowded penalty area. But Law 18 Common Sense should prevail; certainly at the lower levels where spare Goalkeeping shirts are unheard of. In such cases, if no spare shirts are available, the Referee should allow the goalkeepers to wear similar coloured shirts.
In some cases, even at the top levels, goalkeepers have been known to wear the same coloured kit. It really is no big deal, considering that the only time that this would be important, is when an opposing goalkeeper travels all the way up to the other end of the field of play and position themselves in the opponent's penalty area awaiting a corner kick to be taken by a team mate. This sometimes happens in the very last minutes of a game if one team is losing, and they 'throw' ALL their players into the penalty area to try and get a last minute goal.

The Laws are written in such a way as to allow the individual Referee a great deal of interpretation. Referees are NOT supposed to be "Law books on Legs" (Ken Aston). One main aim of a Referee is to play the game unless there is something seriously wrong with the field of play or the players' equipment. The fact that the two opposing goalkeepers are wearing the same colour kit is not really a serious problem.

Another factor often forgotten when this question comes up, is that may be that the team officials (manager, coaches etc) had forgotten forgot to read the competition rules. Believe it or not – the teams themselves are the ones who are ultimately responsible for ensuring that this does not happen. It is they who supply the goalkeeper’s kit and not the Referee. And it is they who should have spare coloured goalkeepers' jerseys to prevent such occurrences happening. They are given copies of each competition rules at the beginning of each season, and are the ones responsible for ensuring this does not happen – more so than the Referee. 

Question 10: Can a Referee ask a player to remove a medical identification bracelet (for instance a diabetic bracelet)?

Answer 10: Ultimately, the Referee is responsible for ensuring that players do not wear anything that is dangerous - but in cases like this, there are other steps that can be taken. Firstly, check that the player's team colleagues and manager or coach knows of the player’s condition. And ensure any medical attendants are informed, for example - of what the player’s insulin requirements are.

If in the opinion of the Referee, the medical bracelet (or necklace) poses no danger to the players then it may be allowed. So long as others know that the player is wearing some sort of medical alert identification, a bracelet can be taped or bandaged over to provide protection against damage to others - this also applies to medical necklaces that can be taped to the chest or sufficiently padded. It is also possible to tape a medical bracelet to the wrist in such a way that the medical alert symbol only is fully exposed. A medical bracelet can also be covered by a wrist guard that is tight enough so it doesn’t present danger to others.

One final point to remember - it is always important when any player is injured and cannot speak, that someone makes a quick search to see if a medical alert bracelet or necklace is being worn.

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Question 11: Is a player allowed to wear ear studs or jewellery?

Answer 11: Law 4 states that a player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery). Players wearing earrings must be told to remove them. One point worth mentioning - is that if the Referee were to allow a player to have taped earrings and then that player receives an injury because of the taped earring damaging his ear - the Referee might leave himself open to a lawsuit from the player or the player's parents or the players club who could fault for the Referee not following Law 4.

The FIFA Questions & Answers Law 4 Q9 follows:

9. Are players allowed to use tape to cover jewellery that is considered to be dangerous?

No.

The danger of players wearing earrings, is that they could become imbedded into the player’s own ear causing untold damage. Referees should adhere strictly to the Law about removing jewellery (including ear studs).
It is impossible for the Referee to inspect all of the players' bodies, to check for the modern day nipple and navel piercing jewellery - and adornments to other unnamed body extremities! 

As far as the Laws and advice are concerned, the following can be noted:

Every year, when the Law amendments come out at the beginning of the season, FIFA includes the following paragraph on the introductory page:

Law 4 of the Laws of Associated Football (LOAF) states:

This is reinforced in the recently introduced 'Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials" chapter at the end of the LOAF that states:

The Law 5 (The Referee) remains the same, and states:

It also goes on to state that:

The England FA advice on jewellery is very clear.

"All jewellery, with the exception of a plain wedding ring, must be removed. Wedding rings must be rendered safe by taping to the satisfaction of the Referee. The Referee’s decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play."

Whether or not the Referees on TV take the same action, is not justification for others to follow suit. This is an issue for those responsible for managing them.

An individual Referee here in England, who takes their responsibilities seriously, has enough ammunition in the FA guidance above to carry through the requirement, as best he/she can without worrying about what Referees do on TV.

Question 12: Are players allowed to wear a black or white tight (cycling type) shorts underneath their soccer shorts.

Answer 12: Law 5 refers to these as "thermal shorts". They can be worn as long as they are the same colour as the shorts. Therefore, black thermal shorts are legal if worn under black shorts, and white thermal shorts are legal if worn under white shorts. But white thermal shorts are not legal if worn under black shorts - it would look daft anyway!

Question 14: Is a player who is being substituted allowed to hand over his shirt to the oncoming substitute?

Answer 14: There is nothing in the Laws to stop this happening, but problems can arise if the Referee has to later discipline the oncoming player who is wearing the same shirt and number, of another player disciplined earlier in the game. The Referee could include this information in his match report after the game. He also needs to mention it to the team managers or coaches after the game. The competition authorities will then be responsible for taking any action they feel is warranted. The best advice to Referees - is to get into the habit of always taking player's names when you discipline then, and not rely solely on the team-sheet and shirt numbers.

It is difficult enough for Referees to keep notice of players' faces whilst concentrating on the game action - without the added confusion of swapped shirt numbers to contend with.

Question 15: Are goalkeepers’ jerseys required to have a number on them? And if so, what should the number be?

Answer 15: Most league rules stipulate that all players wear clearly numbered jerseys. The Laws do not mandate that player's (including the goalkeeper) should have specific numbers. Among some leagues that required numbered jerseys, some authorities make an exception for goalkeepers. Goalkeepers' jerseys are permitted to have any number on them, so long as it is a different number to that worn by the other members of his team. It very often happens that when teams have two goalkeepers, they only have one Goalkeeping jersey between them. I do not think this is a big issue for Referees to worry about. Goalkeepers are very distinguishable from other players, so this should not really be a problem to Referees.

Question 16: Are there any Laws governing the size permissible for goalkeepers' gloves, or is there a limit to the size and the type of materials that can be used to construct the gloves

Answer 16: There is nothing within the Laws to regulate the size of goalkeepers' gloves. So long as they do not constitute a danger to himself or other players, then there is nothing much the Referee can do about it.  Use your common sense (Law 18).

Question 17: Are players allowed to wear the captain’s armband on their legs?

Answer 17: It is traditional for the captain to wear the band on the arm (after all, it is called an armband!). The wearing of the armband is not covered in the Laws. Some younger players and female players wear the armband on their leg because the bands are too big for their arms. As it does not effect the safety, or the action of the game in any way, apply common sense and allow the game to continue.

When is an arm band not an arm band? When it is a leg band!

Questions 18: Exactly what kind of shoes can players wear when playing football?

Answer 18: Any type of shoe (football boots) can be worn, as long as they do not pose a danger to the player himself or any other player. Shoes are a player's most important piece of equipment as they are designed to give players' maximum ideal traction and grip, and to facilitate improved control of the ball. Players will normally wear shoes made specifically for football, constructed of soft leather uppers and manmade soles - thus giving a good feel when controlling the ball. New materials and designs (example - bladed studs) have come into the market to allow greater traction, additional friction and flexibility and allow players to put extra spin on the ball.

Most players use moulded stud football boots on dry or solid ground (or on slightly wet grass and light mud conditions). Moulded boots can be versatile and comfortable to wear. If the ground is very dry and or hard, 'trainers', or turf boots (constructed with small rubber multi-studded bottoms, designed for artificial surfaces) are ideal and far more comfortable than traditional football boots. 'Screw-in' studded football boots are used on soft ground, or in very muddy conditions. Screw-in studs provide optimum traction for players in wet conditions. Some players (including Pelé) were brought up playing football on the beaches and grass areas using their bare feet - although this is not permitted in a normal football game for obvious reasons.

Law 4 does not stipulate any technical specifications such as material type or stud size for shoes. The Referee at each game is solely responsible in ruling whether a shoe may or may not be used. The general concern with footwear is whether the studs have sharp edges that could damage players.

Question 19: In very cold weather (and we have plenty of that during our football season in England) can any special clothing such as long pants be worn by players?

Answer 19: If you are lucky, the Competition rules may stipulate which additional players’ equipment can be worn by goalkeepers and/or outfield players during bad weather. In general, the Referee must apply common sense in what can, and what cannot be allowed. So long as the equipment does not pose a danger to the player himself, or to other players, then it is OK. Goalkeepers very often wear long pants indoors or when a field outside is too hard or rough. The wearing of long pants is becoming a common practice for goalkeepers. This gives them added protection during challenges for the ball. I personally think that goalkeepers should be allowed to wear a suit of armour! Who’d be a goalkeeper?

Most youth leagues allow the wearing of long pants under the shorts when it is cold or raining. It must be remembered, that young players cannot run about to warm themselves up quickly like adult players can, so they should be sensibly protected from the elements - including wearing gloves and soft caps if necessary. Referees should however, always check the competition rules concerning players' equipment beforehand. But common sense is the best Law - it is fairly obvious when the weather is bad and players need extra protection.

Question 20: Who decides when there is a clash of team kit colours?

Answer 20: The respective League and competition Rules and Instructions stipulate action to be taken if there is a clash of kit colours.

For example – The English FA Cup Rule states:

Where the colours (shirts, shorts or stockings) of the two competing Clubs are similar, both Clubs must change unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed by the competing Clubs.

(b) In the event of the Clubs not agreeing upon the colours to be worn, the Council shall decide. Goalkeepers must wear colours which distinguish them from the other players, and the Match Officials.

(c) Clubs’ colours must not clash with the black and white outfit worn by the Match Officials. From the First to the Sixth Round Proper, where there is a clash of colour between the referees kit and the players kit, the referee may, with the prior approval of The Association, change to an alternative colour.

Sponsors also have an influence on the choice of kits, as do television companies who are televising the game.

At the lower levels of football. The respective League Rules will normally nominate either the Home Team or the Away Team as being responsible of changing kit if there is a clash of colours.

In UEFA this decision is decided by a committee.

Question 21: Should players wear a numbered jersey or have their name embroidered on the backs, and when did the player numbering system start? What system was used previously to differentiate and identify the players?

Answer 21: There never has been any ruling in the Laws of Associated Football that stipulates that players MUST have numbers on their jerseys.  BUT - most competition Rules (i.e. the League or International Rules under which the game is being played) stipulate that numbers on jerseys MUST be worn. This makes it much easier for the Referee and spectators to identify players.
1872: For 65 years, following the first international match in 1872, England’s players took the pitch with no identification  - no numbers or names on their shirts.  The players were identified in the match programmes only by their position. 
1897: It was during the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in 1897, held at the Mourne Hotel, Rostrevor in Ireland, that it was first agreed that:
 "The game should be played by 11 players on each side".
1906: Numbering players' shirts was suggested but rejected.
1923: An inclusion into Law 1, of the following additional words "not more than" (proposed by the Football Association and the Irish Association), was accepted at the IFAB meeting held in the Causeway Hotel, Giants Causeway Ireland on 9 June 1923.
"The game shall be played by not more than eleven players on each side".
1928: Numbered shirts were use for the first time on 25 August 1928. Arsenal and Chelsea wore numbered shirts in their matches against The Wednesday (renamed Sheffield Wednesday soon after) and Swansea Town, respectively.  This is the earliest record of the use of shirt numbers in Football League play. 
1933: On 29 April 1933, shirt numbers were worn for the first time in the Football Association Challenge Cup final.  Everton players wore numbers 1 through 11 and Manchester City numbers 12 through 22.  The following week, on 6 May 1933, Everton wore their numbered shirts in a Football League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.  But at its annual general meeting in 1933, the Football League Management Committee rejected a proposal requiring shirt numbers after hearing objections that it would cost too much and spoil club colours. 
1937: England wore numbers on the back of their shirts for the first time in the 3-1 loss to Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow on 17 April 1937.
1939: On 5 June 1939, the Football League Management Committee finally decreed at its annual general meeting that players on each club would wear numbers 1 through 11 in league matches and that the numbers would be assigned according to position.  William Cuff, the incoming Football League president, turned aside a proposal that would have made shirt numbers optional; either all clubs would wear them or none.  The vote was 24 for numbering and 20 against.  Shirt numbers were first worn in league play during the 1939-40 season, which was abandoned after three rounds of matches on the outbreak of the Second World War.  Thus the first official season in which Football League matches featured shirt numbers was the first conducted after the war, the 1946-47 season.
1954: Beginning with the 1954 tournament, FIFA’s competition regulations have required teams taking part in World Cup final tournaments to adopt a squad numbering system.
1992: Shirts bearing player names as well as numbers were first worn in European Championship final tournament play at the 1992 tournament in Sweden.
1993: Player names first appeared on top-flight English club shirts in the League Cup final of 18 April 1993, which pitted Arsenal against Sheffield Wednesday, and the Football Association Challenge Cup final of 15 May 1993. The Premiership League decided at its annual meeting to adopt the squad numbering system for the Premiership's second season, 1993-94. 
1994: Shirts bearing player names as well as numbers were first used in World Cup final tournament play at the 1994 tournament in the U.S.A.

Thanks to the following web site for some of the information shown above.
http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamUnif/UnifNosNames.html

With players names on shirts now in vogue, numbered shirts are still considered to be a necessary part of the players' equipment in most high-level competition rules.

Question 22: In a game the other day, one of the goalkeepers was wearing a black jersey similar to the Referee's top. I thought that they had to wear different colours to the Referee and other players?

Answer 22: Yep. you’re right there. Law 4 - Players Equipment states:

"Goalkeepers must wear a colour that distinguishes them from the referee, assistant referees. "

Looks like somebody forgot to read the rules then. But let’s not loose too much sleep over that. It’s not as though the game was lost or won just because they all wore green vests. Or is it just another excuse to have a pop at Referees. It’s hardly going to win the war. Believe it or not – the teams themselves are the ones who you should be asking. They are given copies of each competition rules, and are responsible for ensuring this does not happen – more so than the Referee.

Question 23: Can a Referee tell a player to tuck his shirt inside his shorts?

Answer 23: A player, playing with his shirt tucked out does not pose a danger to himself or any other player. There is nothing in the Laws that allow the Referee to insist on the shirt being tucked in. Nevertheless, some competition Rules insist on shirts being tucked in, and if this is so, then you can ask a player to comply with the Rule.

But the United States Soccer  Federation (USSF) ATR - 4.1 states that "The referee shall ensure that each player wears his uniform and equipment properly. Players' jerseys must remained tucked inside their shorts, socks must remain pulled up, and each player must wear shinguards under the socks...."

The USSF first started pushing for tucked in shirts in the mid-1980s. The reason was not, however, in order to cut down on shirt-pulling or for any other match related reason. Many amateur teams in the US at that time were going through what could be described as a grunge phase. It was very common for players to wear sloppy, mismatched uniforms. Shirts hung out, ragged bandanas and headbands were popular, etc. Soccer is still considered a second-class sport in the US, and in the 1980s it was a third-class sport. The USSF expressed concern the game would get a bad (worse?) reputation due to the appearance of many teams. Consequently, USSF began an effort to get players more neatly attired. The first step was decreeing shirts were to be tucked in.

Question 24: What colour should Referees' shirts be in England?

Answer 24: Please find below an excerpt approved by FA Council:

FA Regulations for the Control and Registration of Referees dated 30 March 2001.

Paragraph 10 states:

"Referees’ Uniforms

All match officials in Competitions under the jurisdiction of The Association and Affiliated Association must wear uniforms comprising plain black shirts with white collars and black shorts. Socks shall be black and may have another colour at the top. Such colours must be in accord with the single colour used on the shirt collar.

The following Competitions may be exempt from the above, on application to The Association subject to the conditions below.

The F.A. Premier League

The Football League

Competitions of Panel and Contributory League Status

Approval will be considered only of shirts that are predominantly black, with collars of a single colour."

Question 25a: A player accidentally loses his footwear and immediately scores a goal. Is this permitted?

Answer 25a: Reference: 'Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees' in the 2007/2008 Law book (page 66):

"If a player loses his footwear accidentally, and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident."

Accidents like this will happen in football. If the mislaying of a boot (or a shin pad) is accidental (i.e. the player did not commit an intentional breach of Law 4 (Players' Equipment) and there is no immediate danger to this player (or to any other player), the Referee can apply a reasonable amount of discretional time before deciding to stop play or not.  For example, so long as there is no hazard in the next few seconds (i.e. he does not attempt a dangerous play act by challenging an opponent), this player should be given the opportunity to take a shot on goal, or make a pass to a colleague.   

Question 25b: If during a match, a player's boot comes off, and the player continues to play the ball (not just kicking it or just having a shot at goal) and therefore puts himself at risk of injury, what action should the Referee take?

Answer 25b:  The Referee has a duty of care towards the players, and must stop play if there is any danger to the player. This scenario is/was covered in separate parts of the 2007/2008 Laws of Associated Football. 

References: Additional Instructions and Guidelines for Referees in the 2007/2008 Law book (page 66):

"If a player loses his footwear accidentally, and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident."

It follows therefore, if the player continues to play on after immediately playing the ball, and the Referee believes that the misplaced boot poses a potential danger, he should stop play immediately .

Law 5, Powers and Duties of the Referee: "The Referee ensures that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4".

Law 4, Players' Equipment: "A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player. The basic equipment of a player comprises of ..............footwear etc. The player leaves the field of play to correct his equipment. The player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play". 

Law 8 The Start and Restart of Play: Once play has been stopped, it should be restarted in accordance with Law 8. 
"A dropped ball is a way of restarting the match after a temporary stoppage that becomes necessary, while the ball is in play, for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game. The Referee drops the ball at the place where it was located when play was stopped".

The player has not committed any offence, hence the dropped ball restart.  

Further points to note: The player should not be allowed to continue indefinitely in a state of undress, as this is potentially dangerous to the player concerned. The Referee will have to make a judgment based on common sense, which will allow the game to flow if at all possible, but stop it immediately if there is any chance of potential danger to the player or to other players. The safety of players is paramount when making such decisions. In general, when a player needs to adjust his equipment, play need not be stopped. Referees will normally ask the player to adjust the defect whilst the game is continuing; there is no need for the player to leave the field of play to achieve this.  If the player has not yet adjusted his equipment, by the time that the ball next ceases to be in play, then he should be asked to leave the field of play to correct his equipment. The player is only allowed to re-enter, after the Referee is satisfied that the defect has been corrected. Re-entry is only allowed when the ball is out of play.

(a) If the Referee needs to stop the game to issue a caution (for example, if the player refuses to adjust his equipment), then the match will be restarted with an indirect free kick from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped (see Law 4). By refusing to adjust his equipment, the player has committed the Law 12 caution offence of unsporting conduct in this example. Hence the indirect free kick restart.

(b) If play is stopped to issue a caution because the player disagrees with the Referee about the need to correct his equipment, then the match will be restarted with an indirect free kick from the place where the ball was located when play was stopped (see Law 4). By disagreeing with the Referee, the player has committed the Law 12 caution offence of dissent in this example. Hence the indirect free kick restart.

(c) If play is stopped because the Referee deems that the player who only has one boot on, has played in a dangerous manner by making an unprotected challenge to win the ball with an opponent, then play should be stopped; and restarted with an indirect free kick for dangerous play (in accordance with Law 12). In this example, it is the player with the missing boot that causes the dangerous play situation.

Question 26: During a match, a Referee noticed a player with his boot laces undone and flapping about. He pointed this out to the player who refused to fasten them and told him that he felt better playing with his laces undone and it was more comfortable. Should he have been made to do his laces up, as they were part of dangerous player's equipment?

Answer 26: Law 4 states that "a player must not use any thing that is dangerous to himself or another player."

Laces can act as whips and can become entangled in the shoes and laces of other players. There is also a danger that the laces could be stood upon and cause an accident. Untied laces can sometimes allow the shoes to come off and harm others. The Referee should firstly ask the player to lace his boots for safety reasons. If he refuses, the Referee could then exercise his power (see Law 4) to order the player from the field of play to correct his equipment. If the player still refuses, it would be considered an act of dissent and the player could be cautioned. Hopefully the situation would not escalate to this level, but in the end the Referee could eventually red card the player with a second caution if he does not comply after a second request.

Question 27: If during a game, a Referee sees that a player is chewing gum, can the Referee ask the player to remove it?

Answer 27: Although Law 4 (Players Equipment) states that "a player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)" it does not offer any guidance about chewing gum (which is neither equipment or something that can be worn!).

Law 5 (The Referee) also offers no advice. So as far as the Laws are concerned, there is no answer to be found within them that shows chewing gum to be dangerous or against the Laws.

Nevertheless, Law 18 (Common Sense) should be used, and the Referee could politely explain his concerns, and ask the player to remove the chewing gum. All least that way, the Referee will have at least exhibited his concerns should anything happen later to a reluctant player. If a player refuses to remove the chewing gum - there is not much that the Referee can do about it. In fact, many players chew gum whilst running around in games.

It is a well known fact that chewing gum whilst running around can result from obstruction of the trachea and oesophagus. Complications may also result from stimulated production of gastric juices with a risk of consecutive regurgitation and aspiration. This is more of a danger, the younger that the players are.

Question 27: Should a player be cautioned if he removes his shirt to celebrate a goal?

Answer 27: Firstly, let us look at the history.

• FIFA Circular 579 of 23 January 1996 stated that any player removing the jersey while celebrating a goal should be cautioned.
• This was relaxed in season 2001/2002 when FIFA Circular 750 issued on the 10 April 20012 stated that players will no longer be cautioned if they remove their shirt but they will be cautioned for unsporting behaviour if their celebrations are provocative and intended to incite or ridicule opponents or opposing spectators. Players guilty of excessive time-wasting while celebrating a goal will also be cautioned.
• FIFA Circular 807 of 7 May 2002 (Decisions of the International F.A. Board) stated that players must not reveal undershirts, which contain slogans or advertising. A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.
  CELEBRATION OF A GOAL
  The Board expressed its concern at the common practice of players removing their shirts while celebrating a goal to reveal slogans and advertising.
• In 2004/2005 season, FIFA state that a player who removes his jersey when celebrating a goal must now be cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

There are several reasons why a caution for removing a jersey was been reinstated in 2004/2005 season. The reason for this change is because the removal of the jersey after a goal has been scored is unnecessary and players must avoid such excessive displays of celebration. The sanction for this offence has been the subject of change over the past few years. The need to caution offenders is now quite specific in Law and it is now the Referee's duty to carry it out.

Players were beginning to bring the game into disrepute by displaying hidden messages on undershirts after scoring a goal . Tierry Henry once celebrated a goal by lifting his jersey and displaying the words: For the new born Kyd - a message believed to be aimed his friend Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer with the band Texas, following the birth of her baby. In 1997 Robbie Fowler was punished by the FA for a similar goal celebration in which he revealed a T-shirt showing his support for sacked dock workers.

FIFA's executive committee is aiming to restore "order and discipline" to the game, saying that simply too much flesh had been on display at the 2003 Confederations Cup where one player needed five minutes to put his jersey back on.

The definition of removal of a shirt is that the player takes the shirt over his head, with the head coming out of the shirt. Leaving the field of play to celebrate a goal is not a cautionable offence but players should be encouraged to return to the field as soon as possible.

It is not the joy of players celebrating a goal that the IFAB are trying to eliminate, it is the way that players endeavour to stage orchestrate celebrations after scoring. Taking a shirt off can lead to crowd trouble, and it is taking the game backwards in respect to cleaning up its image and improving safety standards. If players took their shirt off and put it back on again after a short while, all these Law changes would probably never have been needed. But celebrations in the past have become very drawn out and over the top, with players resorting to 'chest thumping', and provoking gestures that have nothing to do with celebrating a goal, but more to do with pontificating and aggravating the opposing supporters. If you give players a free reign, they will take it to the very extremes, as they have shown in the past few years with their needless hairy (and sometime hairless!) chest displays etc. It is not only the play action on the field of play that the IFAB are responsible for protecting and enhancing, it is also the safety and well-being of those who are watching. If the players cannot be trusted to accept this responsibility themselves, then the IFAB must take the appropriate action.
Celebrating a goal is still allowed, but there has to be a limit when matters begin to get out of hand. Players will quickly learn to keep their shirts on, and celebrations will soon revert to genuine occasions of spontaneous joy, instead of amateur dramatics!

Question 28: Is a player allowed to wear a plaster cast?

Answer 28: There seems to be a move towards allowing more leniency for unconventional items to be worn in games. Whilst this can be partly understood, where items such as spectacles and religious headgear are concerned, it is a worrying trend when more players than ever are seeking permission to play whilst wearing some sort of injury protection (such as a cast covering a broken arm or wrist).

Whilst local associations can offer advice to referees about allowing (or not allowing) certain injury protection padding to be worn, the ultimate responsibility rests with the referees in accordance with Law 5 (The Referee) and Law 4 (The Players' Equipment). "A player must not use any equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any of jewellery)."

Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks, knee and arm protectors made of soft. lightweight, padded material are not considered to be dangerous and are therefore permitted (as mentioned in the Law chapter entitled, 'Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials'. Lightweight wrist supports made from a soft neoprene outer sleeve, which allow full dexterity of the fingers and thumb, whilst limiting wrist extension and flexation, thus providing freedom for total hand function, are normally safe enough to wear (and will provide comfort, compression and support).
A player, who wishes to take part in a soccer match with a plaster cast, must first seek the advice of the referee. It would be impossible for a Referee to diagnose the extent of any underlying injury, and as such, he is therefore not qualified to offer medical advice on whether that person should play or not. The Referees duty here is to decide whether or not the cast poses a danger to other players or not (or a danger to the player himself). There are many types of casts - some soft some hard. It is the Referees duty to decide the degree of danger each cast possesses. The Referee should always err on the side of caution when making such decisions.

Any type of plaster cast can be considered dangerous. A hard cast (even if it is well covered with a soft bandage) is likely to cause injury to another player; or further injury to the affected player should he allowed to play. Imagine the situation if the cast struck a player on the face and opened a wound that bled?
If a manager starts to get stroppy about the referee not allowing one of his players to play because of a plaster cast, then the Referee could set up a practical test and ask the player to swing his arm gently at first, and then a little more forcefully, and as soon as the player is 'wind-milling' his arm around and around, the referee can say to him, "Now hit your manager around the head." That should produce some common sense! 

In the 1978 World Cup, Holland refused to attend the post-match ceremonies after Argentina's alleged stalling tactics before a match, when they came out late and questioned the legality of a plaster cast on a Dutch player's wrist -- allowing tension to build for the visitors in front of a hostile Buenos Aires crowd. 

Question 29: A player is instructed by the Referee to leave the field of play to correct his equipment. He re-enters the field of play whilst the ball is still in play, without receiving the referee's permission. What action should the Referee take in the following two examples?

Example 1: The player denies the opposing team a goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.

Answer: Because the player is a legal member of his team, the punishment should be the same as if he had been on the field of play all of the time.  He should be sent off for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball, and a direct free kick or penalty should be awarded to the opposing team. 

Example 2: The player is guilty of violent conduct against an opponent.

Answer: Because the player is a legal member of his team, the punishment should be the same as if he had been on the field of play all of the time.  He should be sent off for violent conduct, and a direct free kick or penalty awarded to the opposing team.

The player in both of the examples above, has committed two offences.

• Offence 1: Entering the field of play without receiving the Referee's permission.  For this offence alone, the Referee can issue a caution, and show a yellow card.

• Offence 2: Committing a sending off offence. For this offence alone, the Referee can show a red card.

The Referee (in both of the examples above), must explain to the player, that he has committed two offences, and that the player will receive a (red card) straight sending-off for the second offence, and a (yellow card) caution for the first offence.

Question 30: A defender wants to tie his shoelaces. Regardless of whether the ball is active or inactive, should a Referee stop play to allow this? Refereeing schoolboy football would mean a lot of stoppages for this, but allowing play to continue, might result in the defender playing an opponent onside.  

Answer 30: It is not necessary to stop play to allow for a minor defect in a players' equipment to be rectified. The player can remain on the field of play to make the necessary adjustments. If a player ties up his bootlaces, in a position that makes an attacking player onside, then so be it. These things do happen in games. It would be impossible to have a specific Law to cover all possibilities. 

Question 31:  The ball is kicked to his goalkeeper by a team-mate. As a result of kicking the ball, the goalkeeper loses one of his boots.
The ball goes to an attacker who is in a goal scoring position. What should the Referee do?

Answer 31: Law 4 states that it is not necessary to stop play for a player to correct his equipment. 
Players also have a responsibility to ensure that their equipment is put on correctly, so they cannot expect the Referee to stop play every time that a piece of equipment needs adjusting. If this was the case, then the game would suffer as a consequence. Football involves a high degree of chance, thereby making it an exciting game to play and to watch. If a goalkeeper loses his boot by accident, no infringement has occurred. Therefore, so as long as the goalkeeper is in no immediate danger to himself or to any other player, the chance should be taken by the attacker, and the Referee should allow play to continue.
The principle for this, is included in the chapter at the end of the Law book, which states under Law 4:
"If a player loses his footwear accidentally and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident".

If the same situation arose and the play action was in a neutral area (i.e. there is no chance of an immediate goal opportunity), then the Referee could stop play to allow the goalkeeper to adjust his equipment. If it is safe to do so and it does not impinge on the play action, the Referee could wait until the ball naturally goes out of play. In most cases, all the Referee needs to do, is just to be aware of the situation - because the goalkeeper will normally put his boot back whilst play continues.

End of 'Players' Equipment Law 4 page.

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