Players playing with casts?

[MetroFever]

It was my understanding that FIFA does not allow someone to play with a cast, even if properly padded, which is the opposite of high school rules, for those of you who are both HS officials and FIFA officials.

On Friday night, Eddie Gaven had a pretty large sized cast protecting his finger which appeared to be heavily wrapped. Can someone clarify for me if you are allowed to play in a cast.....I am getting different answers from different people. Thanks.

[Laggard]

Law 4 states that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)."

I know of no where in the laws where it says anything about casts.

[Claymore]

Josh Gros played most of last season for DCU with a cast on his lower arm/wrist.

[billf]

Yes, if the referee inspects it and determines that it isn't dangerous to the player or anyone else involved with the match.

[nsa]

Lots of local youth leagues forbid casts and and hard splints, however there is nothing in the FIFA LOTG that preclude a cast deemed "safe" by the referee (as billf indicated).

[MetroFever]

Lots of local youth leagues forbid casts and and hard splints, however there is nothing in the FIFA LOTG that preclude a cast deemed "safe" by the referee (as billf indicated).


On that note, I was present at a preseason spring referees meeting for a youth club league where one of the assignors claimed that this was a FIFA rule, even if the cast is properly padded.

Someone in the audience gave the person a chance to correct himself by asking if this was their club league rule, but this guy insisted it is a FIFA rule. I've reviewed their club league rules and there is absolutely nothing that prohibits anyone from playing with a cast.

Obviously, from what you are all saying this person was wrong.

[Statesman]

Youth leagues institute their own laws expanding upon the FIFA laws in regards to potentially dangerous items such as casts and other protective devices to protect them from liability issues. Most young players do not have either the body control, skill, or common sense to play in a safe enough manner with a cast, placing themselves and the other players at risk. With adults, it is much easier for them to be accountable for their own decisions in regards to personal safety. In those cases so long as the device is inherently not dangerous it should be allowed.

However, it does not hurt to have a word with the player letting them know it is their responsibility to play safely with the device. If them playing with the device causes problems (such as waiving it about or using it to gain an advantage) you can request the coach/manager have them subbed off, or issue a caution or send-off as the situation requires.

[Garkbit]

Competition rules apply. If they say it's dangerous, it's dangerous. Otherwise, your discretion.

[HoldenMan]

I'll reiterate what's said. FIFA only specify 'dangerous' - the only specific item mentioned is jewellery, they have never said anything about casts.

Competition rules may say ban them. However, mine simply say they're allowed at the referee's discretion.

We've all beein instructed not to allow hard casts, no matter how much padding is on them.

[refmike]

California (north) youth rules prohibit any cast, splint or brace. It is in the CYSA laws (don't have a copy in front of me but I have seen it). I was under the impression this came from the USYSA rules that all youth leagues must follow. FIFA not only does allow a "safe cast" but it used to be in the recert test and was only taken out 2-3 years ago.

[whitehound]

I had a kid come to me last weekend with a frickin towel(a small one) taped around his cast. When I told him he had to do better, I got the famous "all the other reffs let me do it" line. When he came back with what look like some bedding foam wrapped around it I did my usual trick of hitting myself in the head with the cast to see if it hurt and gave him the if I see you swing this thing you are out of here lecture.......90 minutes later......no problems

[SRN1]

It has been for many years that referees have been looking for a decision on casts. Finally, July of this year the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) took a stand with repect to the laws on casts in Canada.

This is their ruling...

- Players wearing a soft cast will be permitted to play if the cast does not present a danger to him/herself or any other player.

- All casts must be adequately padded.
- The referee (or a Supervisor of Officials if one has been appointed to the match) will make the final decision as to the acceptability of any cast.

- Any player who uses a cast with the intent to intimidate or injure an opponent shall be cautioned or sent off immediately.

No hard plaster/fiberglass casts will be permitted even if padded.

___________________________________________________________


A soft cast was defined as one made of soft foam or rubber.

An excellent decision in my opinion....

Soccer Referee.

[Law5]

My favorite cast story: ODP selection tournament. You get chosen for ODP Regional team (partially) on the basis of your play in this tournament, so you have to play and do well. Player with plaster cast approaches the referee. Referee says "No casts, period." Player insists that it is really well padded and say "Look, I'll show you." He thumps a teammate over the head using the forearm with the cast, knocking the teammate unconscious. Now the team is down two players before the game even starts. Coach very happy. :rolleyes:
No hard casts (other than high school), period. "Soft" casts that are more of a brace, maybe. Let's see what it's actually like. Of course, if it were my kid, there's no way they are going to take a chance of reinjuring that arm until the doc says it's okay, no matter how important this game may be.

[refmike]

As I said above CYSA (part of USYSA) do not allow any cast or brace.
Nothing that immobolizes a part of the body may be used by a youth player.
Once beyond youth rules and into FIFA, anything the refee judges safe is OK.