Question Number: 32622

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 8/3/2018

RE: rec, select Under 19

gary d of nashua, nh usa asks...

does it state in law 4 that a bandana is not allowed? An assessor mentioned this but I can't find any written clarification; it makes sense because loose ends can be pulled/stepped on.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gary
Bandanas would come under headgear. Law 4 states that where head covers (excluding goalkeepers' caps) are worn, they must be black or the same main colour as the shirt (provided that the players of the same team wear the same colour).
Here is one in wine that matches the players shirt colour
https://goo.gl/images/StzbXw
Some players use them like sweat bands and I would allow that as well.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Gary,
only that head covers are of a certain color and not dangerous ie long ends flapping, braided with beads. I had a young lady with beaded hair and bands that I choose to be anal and said no way you play wearing those, as the ends whipped out as she turned her head. Somey head gear is religious in nature and ONLY if they were somehow blatantly unsafe would there be reason to disallow them.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Gary,
Law 4 does not specifically mention bandanas. It does mention head covers in general, saying that:

''Where head covers (excluding goalkeepers' caps) are worn, they must:

be black or the same main colour as the shirt (provided that the players of the same team wear the same colour)
be in keeping with the professional appearance of the player's equipment
not be attached to the shirt
not be dangerous to the player wearing it or any other player (e.g. opening/ closing mechanism around neck)
not have any part(s) extending out from the surface (protruding elements)''

So if a bandana confirms to these requirements it is allowed, but if it does not (especially if it is dangerous in any way) then it should not be allowed.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Gary,
The assessor may have been thinking about high school soccer rules (NFHS) which specifically indicate in Rule 4.2.2. Situation A that bandanas are illegal because bandanas are considered adornment and the knot on the bandana may be dangerous.

If you are working a high school game, do not permit bandanas to be worn.

I hope that you have a very successful fall season.