The Players’ Equipment (4) Online Training Script: Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 8 Referee Course. Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the competitive youth game. This presentation focuses on Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment. U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 8 Referee Course Competitive Youth Training

Safety Online Training Script: Safety should be the top priority for referees at all levels so players can not use equipment or wear anything that is considered dangerous to that player or any other player. This includes any kind of jewelry or any other item the referee deems unsafe. The only potential jewelry exception would for items that are medical nature, but even they must be deemed safe for play by the referee. An example would be a medical alert bracelet, which could be taped to the player’s wrist leaving just the emblem exposed, or a medical alert necklace taped to the inside of the player’s uniform. The referee makes the final decision on players’ equipment but he or she may delegate the inspection of the players to the assistant referees or fourth official. It is common to inspect equipment while checking player passes against a team’s roster. Referees should check the local rules of competition regarding player equipment and safety. When such rules exist, they must be enforced by the referee. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Casts Online Training Script: There is nothing in the Laws of the Game that specifically prevents a player from playing with a cast so long as it deemed safe by the referee and it is not prohibited by the local rules of competition. Typically, casts are wrapped with a soft material to be made safe and players are informed not to use the cast in an dangerous manner. Classroom Instructor Talking Points: Discuss ensuring that the cast be made safe. Bubble wrap is not required – but it’s a good option. “Referee’s opinion” is what counts.

Colors Visible undergarments – Same color as shirt/shorts Tape on socks – same color as material it’s applied to. Color conflicts … ? Online Training Script: Each team must wear colors that distinguish them from each other, and the referee and the assistant referees. Each goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him or her from all other players, and the referee and the assistant referees. If an undershirt is worn, the color of the sleeve should be the same main color as the jersey. Likewise, if undershorts or tights are worn, they should be of the same main color as the shorts. If tape or similar material is applied externally it should be the same color as that part of the sock it is applied to. Typically the home team changes its uniforms in the event of a color conflict, but this may not always be possible. Classroom Instructor Talking Points: Long sleeves and sliding shorts must be the same color as the main color of the shirt or shorts. Tape has to match the color of the sock that it is applied to. In the event of a color conflict, the home team generally changes colors. Often recreational teams have only one jersey. In these cases, referees should “do the best that they can.” With luck, a team will have pinnies or something else that will make them look different. But never cancel a game because the teams don’t have different color jerseys – you just have to do the best that you can.

Goalkeepers MUST wear different color shirt MUST wear all required equipment May wear long pants or different color shorts May wear gloves May wear soft-billed hat Online Training Script: Each team must wear colors that distinguish them from each other, and the referee and the assistant referees. Each goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him or her from all other players, and the referee and the assistant referees. If an undershirt is worn, the color of the sleeve should be the same main color as the jersey. Likewise, if undershorts or tights are worn, they should be of the same main color as the shorts. If tape or similar material is applied externally it should be the same color as that part of the sock it is applied to. Typically the home team changes its uniforms in the event of a color conflict, but this may not always be possible. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Infringements Player is asked to make correction Must leave at next stoppage if not corrected Can only return with referee’s permission Caution issued if player returns without permission Online Training Script: If a player has equipment that is not allowed during the game, the referee should ask the player to correct the equipment problem even if play is going on. If, at the next stoppage, the player has not corrected the equipment issue, the referee must ask the player to leave the field to correct the issue. After the issue has been corrected the player can only return at a stoppage as the referee must ensure the correction did occur. A player who has been required to leave the field of play because of an infringement of this Law and who re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission must be cautioned. Classroom Instructor Talking Points: If we check in people properly, we should avoid most problems with equipment once play starts. But if we note a violation after play starts, we should tell the player to correct it. For example, “Number 20 – get rid of the bracelet.” If they remove it and stuff it in their sock, no problem. If they are not able to remove it quickly, they have to leave the field at the next stoppage – don’t stop play to make them leave. Once they leave, they can’t return without your permission. Generally we wouldn’t caution for an equipment violation unless the violation continued or was repeated after a warning from the referee.

Review Question What should the referee do is a player is wearing earrings? Inform the player that he or she will not be permitted to play unless the earrings are removed Have the player cover the earrings with tape and allow him or her to play Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points: