Question Number: 23554

Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/25/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Anna of Merced, California USA asks...

I understand playing with jewelry, even taped, is not legal in the game of soccer, does this apply even if the bracelet is simply made of string and is taped securely to the wrist?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Some referees will mistakenly allow this, but jewelry is jewelry and the prohibition has no exceptions (except for medical alert jewelry and the watch(es) worn by the referee).

Best to be safe and not wear it, or take scissors with you in case the referee follows the Laws.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Anna
This topic has caused endless debate throughout the soccer world. Many see a string as not dangerous and simply ignore it or decide it is not jewellery. The referee on the day is the sole arbitrator as to what he/she will allow / not allow. The Law allows for zero tolerance. I have seen referees allow the rubber charity bands, strings etc. They have not followed the Law on this and I suspect nothing untoward has happened.
As I have said if a piece of strings is under a wrist band or taped, or up a sleeve is a referee going to discover that?. If a player had say a stud in their tongue or in a hidden area that is of no concern to the referee as he simply concerns himself with what is visible/identifiable. The Law is there for the safety of the players.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

String 'friendship' bracelets are still prohibited by the laws as jewelry even if taped. Some referees will ignore them, by not asking what is under the tape, if it is appears safe. But, many will not.

I recall a recreational match ten years ago with a very young player in tears because she was faced between choosing between playing and the 'pledge' of her friendship bracelet never to remove it. I removed a sweatband from my wrist and told her to put it on. The sweatband (allowed for players under the local rules) completely covered the string, and was IMO safe.

I miss that sweatband - - - we both forgot she had it when we left the field that day.