FFT Jewellery Policy

REFEREES STANDING COMMITTEE
MEMO 1/2006
JEWELLERY

Soccer Tasmania and the Referees Standing Committee would like to clarify the Tasmanian policy with regard to the wearing of Jewellery. This policy will be effective from Friday 17 February 2006.

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)’. These directions are also restated in the Additional Instructions to Referees section of the Law Book. These two statements are related, but not dependent upon each other. The Law is quite specific, however, about no jewellery being worn.

Guidelines for Match Officials

• Jewellery may NOT be worn during matches. At no time should jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, watches, or any piercings be worn during matches. It is NOT acceptable to tape these pieces of jewellery – they MUST be removed. The only exception to the above is for ‘medical alert’ necklaces which must be taped securely to the chest, or bracelets which must have all but the medical information covered by tape Any body piercing not visible to the referee is not of concern, but should the piercing become visible the referee will ensure it is removed. Rings/studs through the tongue are discouraged for the players’ own safety. Should the referee detect a tongue piercing, the referee will ensure it is removed.
• Finger Rings, with the exception listed below, should NOT be worn during games – they MUST be removed prior to play. The only exception to this rule is in the case of a flat wedding band which, despite attempts, cannot be taken off. In such an instance, the ring must be securely taped before being allowed to play. If the wedding band is not a FLAT band, then the player is required to remove it prior to playing, as it constitutes a danger to other players. If it cannot be removed the player will not be able to play.
• Beaded Hair: If a player is wearing hair beads the hair must be tied in a bun or covered by a hair net. Loose beaded hair is NOT allowed.

In short, all jewellery, apart from an immoveable flat wedding band and medical alert items , must be removed prior to play. If it is not removed the player is unable to play. A flat wedding band that can be removed, must be removed prior to play. If the flat wedding band cannot be removed, then it must be securely taped in order to play.

Within the spirit of these guidelines, referees are expected to conform to the standards set for players, with the exception of the need to wear watches.