Do you have any rule questions?

Ted Kitsis is the Associations rules interpreter. As the Associations interpreter, he is always willing to answer your questions about federation rules.

NEW for 2009

I have been asked to provide clarification on the administration of mouth guards (not properly wearing them). Based on my review of the NFHS Rules and the NHIAA Soccer Policy and Procedures, I offer the following:

Per NFHS Rule 4.2.7 states that mouths guards are legal. There is no penalty in the rule book for not wearing mouth guards. It is important to note that mouth guards should not be treated as illegal as they are not listed in the rules as such. Per the NFHS illegal equipment is any equipment which, in the opinion of the referee is dangerous or confusing. Mouth guards are clearly not dangerous or confusing. Please review Rule 4.2.1a...h for a comprehensive list of illegal equipment.

Since mouth guards are not illegal equipment, a player not wearing a mouth guard should be treated as being improperly equipped and he/she shall be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play. Things to keep in mind when administrating this situation:
Play need not immediately be stopped for this infringement
The removed player may re-enter during the next-dead ball situation
The player must report to the nearest official who shall be satisfied that the player's equipment and uniform are in order
There can not be a replacement for the sent off player until the next legal substitution opportunity
In NH the requirement for wearing a mouth guard, and the penalty for not wearing one, is contained in the NHIAA Soccer Policies and Procedures. Per the NHIAA, mouth guards shall be worn during all practices and games. Per the NHIAA the following mouth guard administration should be followed in all sanctioned games:

Coaches shall assume the responsibility of their players properly wearing a mouth guard.
In the event a player is found to be participating without a mouth guard, the player shall be removed from the match and connot return until the next dead ball situation. Consistent with the NFHS, there will be no substitution fro the removed player.
If a player is found to (1) have cut down the mouth protector, (2) hides the mouth protector in a part of the uniform (i.e. socks), or (3) discards the mouth protector on the field of play - A Yellow Card will be administered. In this event the yellow card shall be given to the player not the Coach.
I hope this clarifies how we should be dealing with mouth guard this year. Let's all start getting this right again!

SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT
"We want to remind all players and coaches that we expect you to act and speak in a sportsmanlike manner. If a player has a concern or question, you should first speak to your captain, who will then address the referee if necessary. Play fair, and good luck to you all."

The coaches stated that they liked it, and would appreciate the referees doing it before EVERY match . . .not just at the beginning of the season.

Below are a few points of emphasis from the NFHS for 2008 regarding Shinguards. According to the NFHS, players no longer will be able to wear midsize, underrated shinguards. The NFSH believes that correctly sized and safety-regulated shinguards will help reduce leg injuries incurred while playing soccer.