Football Association rings the changes

FOOTBALLERS at all levels of the game should be made aware of some law changes that are being implemented by The Football Association this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Neale Barry, the head of senior referee development at The Football Association, has written to all clubs regarding player safety.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk has received a copy of this letter to enable us to warn players, at all levels of the game, to prevent heated discussions with officials before they take to the field.

The directives being issued to match officials in respect of player equipment are outlined below:

Players Equipment - Safety

Match Officials are reminded that Law 4 states: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player including any kind of jewellery.”

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.

Under-shorts worn by players, are to be of the same main colour as the shorts.

If undergarments (shirts or shorts) are worn, the colour must be the same main colour as the playing kit or shorts. If a long sleeved under garment is worn the sleeve colour must be the same colour as the sleeve of the short sleeved shirt.

Please note that under garments and thermal shorts may contain clothing manufacturer’s marks but must not exceed an area of 20 square centimetres and must not be visible outside playing kit during the period of a match.

Match Officials are also to incorporate a footwear inspection into the pre-match safety check of players’ equipment. This will take place in the tunnel immediately prior to the game.

Boot manufacturers have recently been experimenting with designs and some give cause for concern. The use of blades on the sole of the boot is an example of such concern.

The Football Association have offered the following guidelines:

“When inspecting footwear officials are to be alert to the possibility of the edge of the blade developing rough areas on either the plastic or metal used in their construction.

These burrs are very sharp and have been the cause of lacerations on opponents. If match officials are concerned over the condition they should refuse to sanction their use until they have been made safe.

If evidence emerges during the game e.g. torn stockings, lacerations, you may wish to follow up the inspection with the player(s) concerned during a stoppage.”

Referees are to report any instance where the kick-off has been delayed, as a result of the footwear inspection.

Visit The Football Association's website:  www.thefa.com

Visit The Kent County Football Association's website: www.kentfa.com