Question Number: 23765

Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/12/2010

RE: Competive Other

Todd of Fnt Vly, California USA asks...

I have been told that a hearing impaired player may not wear an earpiece that allows the coach with a microphone to communicate directly with the player; however I don't see any reference to such a rule anywhere. If the earpiece is part of a hearing aid the player is already wearing is there an issue with having such equipment?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Can a player wear a hearing aid? Sure. There are two exceptions to the restrictions for player's equipment in law 4: medical devices and required religious items are allowed so long as they are safe. As a referee, I would have no problem with a player wearing modern hearing aids.

Although I've never seen one, I understand that some hearing aids incorporate wireless technology to provide clear communication in a noisy environment (e.g., two people talking in loud restaurant or on a train.) I don't know the range of the microphone.

My concern would be with the coach's use of the equipment. When is it being used as part of a medical device to accommodate the needs of a hearing impaired player, there is no reason for the referee to interfere - - certainly when the coach is using a microphone to communicate with the player before the match, halftime, when the player is on the bench or next to the technical area.

When the coach is using it to secretly communicate with players on the field of play, the microphone changes IMO from a medical device to a tactical electronic communication system to give an advantage to the coach. I also wouldn't let the coach use a loudspeaker to communicate with players from the technical area.

YMMV.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Todd
Yes it is covered in the Laws of the Game. This quote is taken from Law 4 "The use of radio communication systems between players and/or technical staff is not permitted".
The player may use a hearing aid for normal purposes but once it is used for radio communication purposes it is not allowed.
However without the use of a fourth official and/or knowledge that this is happening it is going to be very difficult for the referee to deal with it.
At the highest level technical staff use radio communication among themselves off the field of play and there is nothing illegal in that. Once it makes it way to the FOP it is illegal and certainly no player other than those that have a hearing impairment should be wearing any device. I would suspect as well that players with hearing impairment have been informed of the law in this regard as many participate in special needs teams.
At present its not something to be concerned about.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You can wear a hearing aid as it's a medical device. You cannot wear anything to communicate with the coach or others