Message to House and Divisional Team Officials, Players, Parents and DSA Referees Regarding SOCCER AND JEWELLERY

The issue of youth playing soccer while wearing jewellery has been a topic for years and has been dealt with in varying manners by players, coaches, referees and clubs. This issue has recently come to the forefront and the Dunbar Soccer Association Board of Directors has been advised by the Head Referee of the Vancouver Youth Soccer Association (our governing body in Vancouver) that NO JEWELLERY is allowed. This is consistent with the international rules of soccer (FIFA's Law #4) which states: "A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to him/herself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)". As the rule states, this is obviously a safety issue for both the person wearing the jewellery (e.g., earrings, nose piece, etc.) and other players on the field.

While there are not many documented serious accidents resulting from players wearing jewellery there was one very sad incident reported a few years ago. A young House League girl did not remove her earrings and was struck on the ear by the ball during her game. The referee stopped the game since the girl was staggering and she was taken to the sidelines to recover from the impact of the hit. Unfortunately the young girl collapsed shortly thereafter and died as a result of the stud pin piercing an artery in the neck without showing any obvious damage except a small red dot. Although this example is obviously the exception it is not something that we ever want to reoccur. Nor do we want any lesser injuries to our players as a result of actions that can be easily dealt with. Thus all jewellery must be removed as per the instructions from the game referees.

On a related player safety matter, we also encourage parents and players to use appropriate sports goggles rather than glasses during games and practices.

Board of Directors
Dunbar Soccer Association
October 27, 2008