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A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery).
Everyone knows that Law 4 requires that each side wear a distinctively colored jersey, that shorts and socks be uniform for each team, that shinguards be worn, and that the uniforms be distinguishable from the other team.
But the referee also has the responsibility to ensure that no player wears anything dangerous to the player, teammates, or opponents. This responsibility rests solely with the referee.
All items of jewelry are normally considered dangerous; however, referees should consider carefully any item of clothing or jewelry that is clearly religious or medical in nature. This would include religious medallions (a crucifix, for example), medical jewelry (a MedAlert bracelet), or religious clothing (a yarmulke or turban). The referee should permit items such as these to be worn if not dangerous and not likely to provide the player with an unfair advantage. (Note: At the most skilled, professional level of the game, the degree of danger presented by jewelry is left to the discretion of the referee. That's why in the MLS or World Cup you see the players wearing jewelry.)
There are two factors to be considered about medical or religious items: They SHOULD be allowed; they MUST be safe. Have the crucifix secured safely under the shirt, tape the MedAlert bracelet to the wrist, check the headgear for "hidden" items.
Braces and casts are left to the discretion of the referee so far as their safety is concerned. Some playing associations (such as STYSA) make players ineligible to participate if they are wearing hard casts, or if their braces are not properly padded. In this case, the referee doesn't have to rule on safety, just the eligibility of the player.
Caps are not permitted, except for the goalkeepers who may wear soft-brimmed caps. As a special medical circumstance, there are some people who are at increased risk from sun exposure. A player may need to wear a cap with a brim for protection from the sun. This should be verified in writing by a doctor, but often isn't. The referee must exercise discretion and common sense.
Shoes are a required item of player equipment. The referee will make an assessment on their safety, looking primarily for unsafe - sharp - cleats. Just about any cleats can become unsafe over time. Players wear their shoes while walking on asphalt or concrete, and molded plastic, ceramic, or metal cleats can gain a sharp edge. The referee should look for sharp edges, but not run his hand across the cleats; that's NOT how he wants to find a sharp edge.
If a player, due to a collision with an opponent or other cause, loses a shoe and immediately scores a goal, the goal would be valid. The player lost his shoe by accident and did not intentionally play without the shoe. It is within the referee's discretion to allow such a player to continue playing for a short while until he can recover his shoe and put it back on.
Shinguards are not only required, they must be manufactured and offer a reasonable degree of protection. That means "store bought" and sized to match the player. Socks must cover the shinguards. For some young players, the socks are so large that the players put on the socks, then the shinguards, then roll the socks down over the shinguards. This is okay.
Something else to look for is player "marking." The star forward may wear a colorful bandanna or a sock or socks of a different color. These make the player stand out on the field, an easier target to find when passing. This is an unfair advantage and should not be allowed. A captain's armband is permitted, though. (STYSA makes the use of bandannas reason for ineligibility.)
Law 4 is enforceable throughout the match. Just because the players passed the initial inspection, they are not excused from compliance if the referee finds he has missed something, or if they change something after the inspection. At a convenient stoppage, the referee should instruct the player to leave the field and correct the problem.
Sending a player off the field to repair incorrect uniform or equipment is not the same as a send off. Once the equipment correction has been made, the player may return to the field with the referee's permission. The inspection of the correction may not be delegated to another official unless competition rules expressly permit it.
The primary consideration of this Law is safety. After that, the Law ensures that players look like a soccer team, and that they do not gain an unfair advantage through their equipment. All of this is enforced by, and at the discretion of, the referee.
(If you wish to comment on this article, send a message to basra@basra-refs.org.)
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