Question Number: 22720

Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/13/2010

RE: highschool Under 17

jeff garcia of la, ca us asks...

can i play in a game with a cast on?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It depends. If it is a high school game, and there are no local or state modifications, the NFHS rules say you can play with a cast IF (big IF) you have a doctor's signed medical release at the game, AND the cast is padded according to the NFHS rules and the referee approves.

Even with all of that, if during the game, the referee determines the cast is causing a danger to you or to the other players, you will not be allowed to play.

In a regular league soccer game, the referee also always has the duty to decide if your cast is a danger to you or to other players and decide whether you can play or not accordingly. Some state youth leagues have special rules prohibiting casts - no exceptions.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Many leagues say ABSOLUTELY NO!
You might get away with a padded cast if the referee feels it s safe and there is no policy strictly forbidding them!

However, the NFHS has a provision where if signed off by a doctor and specially padded you again might get away with one if the referee feels it is safe!
My suggestion rest, get healthy, lose the cast!

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jeff
A cast is too much of a risk for both the player and opponents so in any game that I would be officiating on a cast would not be allowed.
I'm sure if you asked your doctor as to his advise he would not recommend that you play until the injury is fully healed.
At Under 17 level there will be many days to play soccer in the future.