Question Number: 23332

Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/18/2010

RE: Regional Adult

Nondas Roussakis of Pierrefonds, QC Canada asks...

Are you allowed to play with a Knee Brace?
Do you need to wrap it up?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Roussakis
There may be a competition rule which forbids the use of a knee brace. In general if the referee decides that the brace is dangerous then the player should not be allowed to use it. Some knee braces do not have metal components and are made from heavy materials and rubber inserts. That type is not dangerous. Certainly those with metal parts and exposed metal parts are dangerous and I would not allow it.
I would also question the sense of a player participating with the need for a metal insert knee brace. It suggests to me a pretty serious knee condition and risk to the player. One usually finds that these conditions usually end up being aggravated by further play.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Unless there's a specific local ruling, than I would not permit a knee brace with hard components, padded or not. Even if it's wrapped up, it's still quite solid underneath.

However, that's a decision for the referee on the day to make, but I wouldn't allow a brace with hard components.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Modern knee braces are made of lightweight plastic, without exposed metal hinges, and do not present the safety issues from the bulky steel items of the past. If the manufacturer intends that it be covered, it should be covered. The referee must still:

- Look to the applicable rules of the competition authority.
- Inspect the equipment.
- Focus on the equipment itself – not how it might be improperly used, or whether it actually protects the player.

The referee is the final word on whether the particular equipment is dangerous.