Soccer referees enforce jewellery crackdown with players banned from using tape to cover piercings

FOOTBALL Far North Coast referees have enforced a crackdown on players wearing jewellery in matches after attempts to cover ear and nose piercings with tape in the early rounds of the competition.

Officials said there had been growing confusion among some players and parents on what had previously been allowed by some referees.

However, the association said there had been “nothing changed in this space” and stressed there was “zero latitude” under the laws of the game.

As part of the competition rules on equipment, competitors from under-12s through to senior grades are not permitted to wear jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings, nose studs, bracelets, watches, leather bands or rubber bands during matches.

The rule also applies where jewellery is suspected to be concealed under tape.

“If a player is unable to remove an item of jewellery, that player is not permitted to participate,” the association said.

Match officials have been directed to conduct equipment checks before games and are authorised to instruct players to remove any prohibited items before entering the field.

Players found wearing jewellery during a match will receive a yellow card and must leave the field until the item has been removed and approved by the referee at a later stoppage in play.

Officials said no exemptions would be granted for tape covering, including earrings or nose piercings, and no referee or administrator had the authority to deviate from the rule.

The association said the policy was in place purely for safety reasons and urged players, parents and coaches to comply to avoid disruptions on match day.

Football Far North Coast had near-record registrations this year with wet weather again disrupting the opening month of the competition.