The safety of our players, volunteers, and referees is vitally important.
If you have any questions please contact the Safety Director or Regional Commissioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are players permitted to wear jewelry, earrings or studs?
Jewelry, including earrings of any kind, any visible body piercing or any hard replacement stud used when the jewelry is not being worn, must be removed before the player is allowed to participate in a practice or game. Covering the jewelry or hard replacement stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient. The jewelry or hard replacement stud must be removed before playing. Subject to approval of the referee, various soft, flexible materials that do not present a danger to the player or other players may be used to keep recent body piercings open for participation during games.
Can players wear Medical Alert Bracelets?
Children may participate in games and practices while wearing medical alert bracelets. It is important that this information remains visible. However, to ensure the bracelet does not present a danger to the player or other players it should be secured to the player with tape, a cloth wristband or something equivalent taking care to leave the information visible. We must all recognize that if the bracelet is removed and lost or hidden in any way,the child might be put in danger, particularly if the parents are not present to ensure that the medical condition is known. We must also recognize that it is unlikely that a medical alert bracelet, when properly covered, will pose a danger to the other children who are participating. Medical alert sports bands with a snug-fitting soft, polyester ribbon band are available and should be permitted without modification.
May a player wear a cast or splint?
The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states: "Players shall not be allowed to practice or participate in any game with any type of cast or splint."
May a player remove a cast or splint in order to participate?
The AYSO National Rules and Regulations paragraph VI.H. states:"Removal of any type of cast or splint at the field or surrounding area in order to participate shall disqualify the player from practice or in any game." Removable casts are designed to facilitate personal hygiene and dressing; they are not designed to be removed so that a player may engage in contact sports.
Are players permitted to wear knee braces?
AYSO policy statement 2.9 titled "Knee Braces" reads as follows: AYSO will not prohibit the use of knee braces by players in AYSO events and programs, provided that the knee brace is adequately covered and padded in the judgment of the referee so as to eliminate the possibility of its use causing injury to other players on the field of play. The difference between casts or splints and knee braces is that a cast or splint is used for the treatment of a temporary injury to provide for healing. The use of a knee brace is different in that it is used to provide support and/or flexibility. Knee braces are designed to allow for flexibility of movement, while conversely, a cast or splint is designed to restrict mobility.
Are players permitted to wear any other kind of medical devices?
If the device is needed to restrict mobility, protect an injury or support proper alignment to expedite the healing process of a temporary injury and is hard (cast, splint, etc.) then this is not allowed. If, on the other hand, the protective device is used to provide support, flexibility or enable an otherwise healthy player to function normally such as a knee brace, prosthesis, hearing aid, insulin pump, etc. then this would be allowed provided the device was sufficiently padded to prevent injury to other players. The Laws of the Game specify that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player." The referee is the sole judge of whether or not the individual item in question is permissible to wear in the game.
May players wear spectacles?
Players who require prescription glasses are to be allowed to wear them during practices and games. It is recommended that retaining straps be worn. Rubber bands may also be used for this purpose. Prescription goggles, such as the type used by racquetball players, are also permitted subject to the approval of the referee prior to the start of the match. Spectacle guards made of plastic or other hard material are not permitted.
May players wear hearing aids?
Players who normally must wear hearing aids are also allowed to wear them during practices or games.
Are players permitted to wear mouth-guards?
AYSO does not prohibit the use of mouth-guards. Parents are encouraged to consult, their child's dentist or orthodontist to determine what, if any, mouth-guard is appropriate for their child. Players wearing mouth-guards should not be prevented from participating in practice or games.