We remind everyone that players are not allowed to wear jewellery during a competition fixture (meaning 12’s to seniors). It is also recommended that miniroos players also remove jewellery. There were several instances during the FIRST weekend of competition for 2024, where players sought to tape jewellery, with some parents and coaches seemingly insistent that it is ‘okay’ to simply use tape on an ear or nose etc. Reasons such as; ‘No other referee has ever made me remove the jewellery’ won’t wash, so we ask that everyone does the right thing.
NOTHING has changed in this space and there is zero latitude regardless of the reasons given (e.g. can’t remove an ear-ring or wedding ring), so there should be no surprise if a referee prevents a player from taking the field if the player is obviously (or suspected) of using tape to conceal jewellery.
Players are NOT allowed to play in ANY competition fixture if they are wearing jewellery (or other like items). The Laws of the Game – Law 4 prohibits the wearing of items including necklaces, rings, visible piercings with studs, earrings, bracelets, watch, leather bands and rubber bands or any item deemed by the referee to be a potential hazard. Visible means ‘suspected as being concealed under visible tape’.
Players CANNOT tape jewellery under ANY circumstances. If a player is unable to remove an item of jewellery, that player is NOT permitted to participate.
Match officials are authorised to make reasonable checks/enquiries and to instruct players to remove jewellery. Match officials are required to make such checks/enquiries as part of the equipment check prior to the game and they are obliged to be vigilant and uphold the requirements of Law 4.
Any player found to be wearing jewellery during the match will be issued a yellow card and will be instructed to leave the field of play and remove the item(s). They are not permitted to return to the field of play until a future stoppage in the match and only if/when, the referee has confirmed that the player has removed the offending item.
FFNC has NOT provided (and will not provide) any exceptions for ANY player to participate by taping jewellery (e.g. ears, nose, etc.)
This information is consistent with the requirements of Law 4 (players’ equipment) in the Laws of the Game and no person (including any individual match official or administrator), is authorised to deviate from what is mandated on this issue.
This is a simple matter really and it is in place for SAFETY reasons.
No excuses will be considered, No concessions given and hopefully no issues!!
