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-= LAW - 4 – The Players’ Equipment =-
Laws of 'The Game' as per... FIFA

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Safety   +-+ Safety +-+

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player
(including any kind of jewelry).

Basic Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
- A jersey or shirt with sleeves – if undergarments are worn, the color of the sleeve must be the same main color as the sleeve of the jersey or shirt
- Shorts – if undershorts or tights are worn, they must be of the same main color as the shorts
- Stockings – if tape or similar material is applied externally it must be the same color as that part of the stocking it is applied to
- Shin guards
- Footwear

Shin guards

- Are covered entirely by the stockings
- Are made of rubber, plastic or a similar suitable material
- Provide a reasonable degree of protection

Colors

- The two teams must wear colors that distinguish them from each other and also the referee and the assistant referees
- Each goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees

Infringements and Sanctions   +-+ Infringements and Sanctions +-+
In the event of 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 must 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 re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission must be cautioned.

Restart of Play   +-+ 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 team from the
place where the ball was located when the referee stopped the match (see Law 13 – Position of free kick)

Decisions of the International F.A. Board   +-+ IFAB - Decision 1 +-+
Decision 1
Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal statements. A player removing his jersey or shirt to reveal slogans or advertising will be sanctioned by the competition organizer. The team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal slogans or statements will be sanctioned by the competition organizer or by FIFA.

The 2014 - 2015 FIFA ~ LAWS & ADMENDMENTS of 'The Game'
USSF Laws of 'The Game' & FIFA-AYSO Laws of 'The Game'

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FIFA
Interpretation of the Laws
of the Game
and
Guidelines for Referees
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FIFA - Basic Players' Equipment • Decisions of the IFAB -+ 2004 - Ruling +-

Basic Equipment   +-+ Basic Equipment +-+

Colors:
- If the jerseys of the two goalkeepers are the same color and neither has another jersey to change into, the referee allows play to begin

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.

Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms as part of their basic equipment.

Other Equipment:

A player may use equipment other than the basic equipment provided that its sole purpose is to protect him physically and it poses no danger to him or any other player.

All items of clothing or equipment other than the basic equipment must be inspected by the referee and determined not to be dangerous.

Modern protective equipment such as headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft,
lightweight padded material are not considered dangerous and are therefore permitted.

In view of the new technology that has made sports spectacles much safer, both for the wearer and for other players, referees should show tolerance when authorizing their use, particularly for younger players.
If an item of clothing or equipment that has been inspected at the start of a match and determined not to be dangerous becomes dangerous or is used in a dangerous manner during the match, its use must no longer be allowed.

The use of electronic communication systems between players and/or technical staff is not permitted.

Jewelry   +-+ Jewelry +-+

All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not acceptable.

Referees are also prohibited from wearing jewelry (except for a watch or similar device for timing the match).

Disciplinary Sanctions   +-+ Disciplinary Sanctions +-+

The players are to be inspected...
before the match begins and substitutes and before they enter the field of play.
If a player is discovered to be wearing unauthorized clothing or jewelry during play, the Referee must:

- Inform the player that the item in question must be removed
- Order the player to leave the field of play at the next stoppage if he is unable or unwilling to comply
- Caution the player if he willfully refuses to comply or, having been told to remove the item, is
discovered to be wearing the item again

If play is stopped to caution the player, an indirect free kick must be awarded to the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick).

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ADVICE
from
'THE PITCH'


This Video from the... Ken Aston Referee Society - Channel

Law #04 Law #04 Extra
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Duration - 01:09 | 0.546MB
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Duration - 01:09 | 0.546MB

The aim of this page is to know
When and how a referee should check players’ equipment,
And what action to take if any equipment is found to be faulty.

Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything, which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).

Basic Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player is:

- A jersey or shirt
- Shorts - if thermal under shorts are worn, they are of the same main color as the shorts
- Stockings
- Shin guards
- Footwear

Shin guards

- 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 colors which distinguish him from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees

Infringements/Sanctions

For any infringement of this Law:

- 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

1. When to Check:

Notwithstanding the *pre-match requirement to check players equipment at the top levels of football, 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 player’s equipment at half time.

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 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 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? 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.

2. What to look for:

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

Goalkeepers must wear a color 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 shorts must be same color 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 cannot 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.

3. What Action should a Referee take?

Infringements/Sanctions:

During play (for minor law 4 infringements) the Referee can instruct a player to leave field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play to correct his equipment (unless he has already corrected his equipment).

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.

The player only re-enters the field of play with the referee’s permission and only when the ball is out of play:

The game must not be unduly delayed pending correction of equipment. The Referee at the end of the half must add any time lost on.

If the referee finds that a player is wearing articles not permitted by the Laws and which may constitute a danger to other players, he shall order him to take them off. If he fails to carry out the Referee's instruction, the player shall not take part in the match.

If a player re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission, that player can be cautioned.

Restarting of Play:

If play was stopped to administer a caution: Restart with 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 game.

Common sense dictates that there is no need to stop play for a temporary accidental loss or misplacement of equipment, such as, footwear or shin-guards, or when re-tying boot laces.

It is very important that the Referee - sets a good example in respect of his own equipment and kit, aim to be a role model in all respects.

4. Fourth Official:

The Fourth Official has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment does not comply with the Laws of the Game, the Fourth Official informs the Referee.
See the 4th Official page on this web site for more information.


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Questions and Answers:

This web site and the advice and answers to any questions are not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The opinions expressed on this site should not be considered official interpretations of the Laws of the Game. Although the content of the latest Laws are included on this site, the majority of the content is the opinion of the Webmaster and other Referees worldwide. If you need an official ruling you should contact your local representative/association or visit the FIFA, or the English FA web sites for the Laws themselves.

Questions and Answers:

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 2000/2001 season's new Manchester United (and French national team) goalkeeper Barthez always wears short sleeves. Goalkeepers have to wear colors that distinguish them from other players and the Referee - 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 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 aluminum. 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?

Answer 4: On 10 Dec 2001 the Football Association (FA) in England 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 judgments 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".

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

Answer 5: Law 4 does not include headgear as part of players' equipment. Headgear is therefore not strictly permitted within the Laws. However, due to 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 the hair back in place). If the reason is justified and the headgear is not dangerous – what difference does it make? 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 colored 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.

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

Answer 6: Yes, as long as the Referee is satisfied that the glasses are not dangerous to the player himself or to opponents. 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 David’s sometimes plays with properly designed sporting flexible shatterproof glasses, which do not pose any danger to him 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.

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. A few moments later that 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 shin-guards before allowing him to re-enter the field of play. If the Referee had granted permission for the player to re-enter the field of play without shin-guards, then he (the Referee) is at fault. The sole blame cannot then be put on the player. At the very worst, the Referee could caution the player for not putting on shin-guards when he had been instructed to do so - but the Referee should take all the blame in this instance. The goal should be allowed to stand.

If the player had re-entered the field of play without the Referee's permission and then scored the goal, then he should be cautioned. The goal should not be allowed to stand and play would normally be restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposition. But in this case, as the ball is already out of play when the Referee notices the illegal player, I would suggest that a goal kick to the opposition would suffice. In reality, this player has actually committed two caution able offences (1. Unsporting behavior - for not putting on the shin-guard when ordered to do so by the Referee. AND 2. Re-entering the field without the Referee's permission) the Referee could issue two yellow cards (= sending-off).

If the player never left the field of play at all, as ordered to do so by the Referee, the player would be guilty unsporting behavior (or dissent) and should be cautioned. But once again, the Referee should 'shoulder' some blame for this, as he (the Referee) should have made sure the player left the field of play. The goal in this instance should not stand (because the player had been asked to leave the field of play by the Referee, and as such, is not a legal player until he re-enters the field of play correctly). Restart as above.

In all cases above, the player should leave the field of play to put on his shin-guards before he can be allowed to take any further part in the game.

Note: If the kick-off is taken after the goal has been scored and THEN the Referee notices that the player who scored the goal had re-entered the game without his permission, then the goal is valid. Law 5 states that the Referee cannot change a decision once the game has been restarted.

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: Can two goalkeepers play with the same colored shirts?

Answer 9: In theory, Law 4 states that: "Goalkeepers must wear a color that distinguishes them from the Referee, Assistant Referees. & Other players". So it could be argued that both goalkeepers should not wear the same colored shirts. The reasoning behind this is to prevent confusion if one of the goalkeepers decides to come up field. 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, I would allow the goalkeepers to wear similar colored shirts.


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 of what the player’s insulin requirements are.

If the bracelet poses no danger to the players then it can be allowed. The bracelet can be taped over to provide protection against damage to others - this also applies to medical necklaces that can be taped to the chest.

Question 11: Should a trainer be allowed to put muddy water (from the 'bucket') onto a bleeding wound?

Answer 11: Although the Referee has no authority to stop such an action, he can certainly strongly advise for the muddy water NOT to put on the bleeding wound - and I have done so many times.

Question 12: Is a player allowed to wear ear studs?

Answer 12: 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 jewelry). Players wearing earrings must be told to remove them or to tape them up. One point worth mentioning - 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 danger of wearing the earrings is that they could become imbedded into the player’s ear causing untold damage. There is room for a little bit of leniency or common sense when applying this Law. The Referee is the sole judge as to whether an article is dangerous or not. Small ear studs do not necessarily pose a problem and may be allowed to remain, so long as they do not have any sharp or protruding edges - it is the individual Referees' decision. It could be argued that a hard ball hitting the side of the head might cause a stud to pierce the skin at the back of the ear. Some Referees will strictly adhere to the Law about removing jewelry (including ear studs), while others may allow some leniency. Both Referees may be right, but it depends on the Referee at that particular game, and his word is final. It is up to the Referee to judge equipment safety, unless the competition authority has stipulated specific prohibitions or allowances. The Referee should not sanction anything that appears unsafe.

Taking all things into consideration, it is advisable for Referees to always insist on the removal of all ear jewelry. Removing earrings before a game is not really a problem - pierced ears do not close up after an hour or so of no earrings! And if players really want to play, they will take them out. One of the frustrating aspects for managers and players is that just because one Referee allows them to wear certain equipment it does not mean the next Referee will - but such is life!

Question 13: Are players allowed to wear a black or white tight (cycling type) shorts underneath their soccer shorts.

Answer 13: Law 5 refers to these as "thermal shorts". They can be worn as long as they are the same color 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 affect the safety, or the action of the game in any way, apply common sense and allow the game to continue.

When is an armband not an armband? 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 molded stud football boots on dry or solid ground (or on slightly wet grass and light mud conditions). Molded 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 armor! 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 colors?

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

For example – The English FA Cup Rule states:

- (a) Where the colors (shirts, shorts or stockings) of the two competing Clubs are similar, both Clubs must change unless the competing Clubs mutually agrees alternative arrangements.

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

- (c) Clubs’ colors 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 color between the referees kit and the players kit, the referee may, with the prior approval of The Association, change to an alternative color.

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 colors.

In UEFA a committee decides this decision.

Question 21: Should players wear a numbered jersey?

Answer 21: There is no requirement in the Laws of Associated Football (Law 4 The Players' Equipment) to have numbers on the players' Jersey. BUT - most competition Rules (i.e. the League in which the game is played, stipulate that numbers on jerseys must be worn). Of course, it is much easier for the Referee when players wear numbers on their jerseys.

Argentina once fielded outfield players in two World Cups with the number 1 jersey (Alonso in 78 and Ardiles in 82), There are no rules against it, but assigning the number 1 shirt to an outfield player seems very unusual.

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 colors to the Referee and other players?

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

"Goalkeepers must wear a color 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: There is nothing to stop players wearing their shirts outside of their shorts. You cannot (and should not) tell a player to tuck his shirt in.

Question 24: What color 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 color at the top. Such colors must be in accord with the single color 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 color."

Question 25: During a challenge for the ball, an attacker gains possession of the ball. In doing so, he loses his right boot - he then immediately kicks the ball with his right foot and scores a goal -is the goal legal.

Answer 25: As the player accidentally lost his boot, he not intentionally plays barefooted. The goal must be allowed to stand.

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