View Full Version : Players and personal hygiene
Kebbie Gazauzkas
10 Apr 2007, 10:51 PM
Sorry if this may seem like a stupid topic, but I am just curious whether the referee has a responsibility to check on the players' personal hygiene before allowing for the start of the game.
For example, one of the soccer stars hasn't taken a bath for 5 months and an unpleasant odour can be detected around him, leading to complaints from the members of the opposing team.
In addition, are players obliged to change their shorts or shirts in the case that they get too muddy (e.g. if they are playing in rainy weather)?
mw26
11 Apr 2007, 12:15 AM
latter....idk. former...unsporting conduct? :p
NHRef
11 Apr 2007, 09:36 AM
Since neither is a safety issue, don't think you can do anything about either.
intechpc
11 Apr 2007, 10:03 AM
As pointed out, neither is a safety issue so there's not much you can do as a referee. Ultimately this is a league issue. If the league wants to issue a policy on jersey cleanliness and personal hygiene fine, but the referee has no responsibility nor authority to make such decisions.
mw26
11 Apr 2007, 10:32 AM
idk, guys. if i can smell the gk from the opposite penalty area, i think i'd do something about it.
JChiavacci
11 Apr 2007, 11:09 AM
For example, one of the soccer stars hasn't taken a bath for 5 months and an unpleasant odour can be detected around him, leading to complaints from the members of the opposing team.
That's funny. :p Sad :eek:, but funny:D
Claymore
11 Apr 2007, 02:46 PM
double yellow for SFP. problem solved. :D
jacoismyhero
11 Apr 2007, 08:55 PM
Emphasis on the "foul" in the Serious Foul Play.
njref
12 Apr 2007, 08:46 AM
On a more serious note, sometimes body oder is a result of a medical condition and not hygiene. Mentioning it would be embarassing to the player and wrong in several respects. Just don't go there.
Kebbie Gazauzkas
13 Apr 2007, 04:31 PM
Thanks for your responses, I tend to agree with the general nature of the comments. In addition, cultures have different standards of personal hygiene. A referee may be accused of racism or ethnocentrism if he tries to enforce such a rule and the player's feelings may be hurt.
USSF REF
13 Apr 2007, 05:53 PM
That's why every good referee is equipped with a hose, a loufa, and body wash... then all you have to do is find somewhere to hook up the hose.
DadOf6
13 Apr 2007, 10:48 PM
That's why every good referee is equipped with a hose, a loufa, and body wash... then all you have to do is find somewhere to hook up the hose.
Why not carry some cologne and use your ball pump to spray it?
bdndyc
14 Apr 2007, 03:24 PM
On a serious note there is no rule regarding personal hygeine so long as there is no blood on clothing or open wounds.
Hell if your the goalkeeper and you stink that might give you an advantage if no one wants to come near to your goal. ;)
jacoismyhero
15 Apr 2007, 10:40 PM
There are some professional (American) football players who purposely don't shower to gain the advantage of having the opposition want no part in being anywhere near them.
That being said, I've come across some pungent individuals as both a player and a referee, and it's no fun for anyone.