Referee News
West Virginia Soccer rule change regarding casts and braces
By Les Baldwin, WVSA SRA
Dec 20, 2004, 15:06

West Virginia Soccer rules of competition were changed at the AGM in November and become effective immediately. These changes need to be communicated to all referees who will be working travel games. The changes include the allowing of US Soccer and FIFA approved, soft headbands. These will have the US Soccer and FIFA logos on them.

Casts and braces are now approved for players U - 12 and older, only when playing on a travel team. A doctors release specifying the player is released to play soccer is required, casts must be padded and approved by the referee prior to the match, braces must be worn
as intended by the manufacturer and approved by the referee prior to the match. The referee approving the casts and braces must be 18 years old or older, does not have to be the referee assigned to the game. Can not be a referee affiliated with either of the teams.

Below is the text from the WVSA By Laws. If anyone has any questions please ask before

doing anything.



Les Baldwin, State Referee Administrator





3.16.4 PLAYER’S EQUIPMENT

1. Each player must wear an official uniform with a number on the back of the shirt.

2. Duplicate numbers are not permitted.

3. Shin guards are mandatory for all players.

4. No hats or other headgear may be worn with the following exceptions:

i. Soft billed caps for goalkeepers per FIFA

ii. Religious headgear per USSF

iii. soft caps (no bills) or headbands in cold weather.

iv. US Soccer and FIFA approved, soft, headbands.

v. Headgear for medical reasons under the following conditions:

A. Soft, closed cell material

B. US Soccer specific release sign by parents

C. Doctors permission

D. Approval in advance by WVSA

vi. Any exception is with the approval of the referee.

5. NO HARD CASTS OR BRACES with exposed metal parts may be worn. Youth Only

Exception for travel players u12 and older,

while playing on a travel team, and Teams in

the WVSA Open Cup, with a doctors release

to play soccer.

A. Hard casts must be padded and approved by the referee prior to the match.

B. Braces must be worn as intended by the manufacturer and approved by the referee prior to the match.

In A and B the approval shall be by a referee that is 18 years old or older.

6. If due to inclement weather, the referee allows the wearing of sweatshirts or sweatpants they shall be the same color as the uniform.




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