Question Number: 33200

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 3/31/2019

RE: competitive Under 15

Kulani of san diego , california america asks...

can i wear plastic earring retainers during games?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kulani
As the retainers are not jewellry and made of a yielding material they may be worn.
Sometimes they look like jewellry and may need an explanation to the referee.
Here is a picture of a former Stoke City player Ricardo Fuller wearing retainers. Look like earrings but we know they are not.
https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x214/302257_1.jpg
P

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Kulani,
As long as these are light, plastic inserts that do not pose any danger to yourself or others, you should be able to wear them. In the case of Ricardo Fuller, mentioned by ref McHugh, the top-level referees' governing body in England, the PGMOL issued the following statement explaining the rationale:

''Due to many queries we have recently received from referees and the public concerning Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City FC, we are issuing the following statement concerning the wearing of jewellery in this individual case.

Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City does NOT play with earrings in. He takes them out in front of the referee and covers the two holes with 'plastic caps' covered with tape to stop dirt getting into the holes and causing a possible infection. The referee checks this before every match.
[...]
As a reminder, the rules regarding players' equipment are as follows:-

The Referee's role is to inspect footwear and jewellery before each and every match.

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 jewellery, including plain wedding rings, must be removed. The Referee's decision is final and players in contravention of this Law must not be allowed to enter the field of play.''