The Ref Stop

The FA communication on tracksuit bottoms in women's kit

C

CaptainsPlease

Level 5 and
Level 3W Referee
In news reports of an outfield player being denied wear of tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts, The FA has claimed to have written to match officials on this issue earlier in the year. I cannot find such a communication.

Can anyone find that communication or reference to an FA document stating this is allowed? I am only aware of 'Belief in the Game', which only allows for tracksuit bottoms underneath shorts rather than instead of shorts.
 
The Ref Stop
It’s this latter paragraph that nails it for me. As usual, media has taken one side of a story and blown it out of all proportion.

I don’t believe for a minute a player was prevented from playing because of trackies, but because no shorts were worn over the top.

Half truths and innuendo; the media stock in trade.
 
Very similar to the glasses discussion...

FA/ifab say one thing, making the requirement clear for all. But I'd bet they want different application of the law in reality.

Have some sympathy re the news story, but matching kit is absolutely necessary
 
es1 said:
Very similar to the glasses discussion...

FA/ifab say one thing, making the requirement clear for all. But I'd bet they want different application of the law in reality.
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100% agree. Complete contradictions. Not just regarding tracksuits either.

The 'Belief in the Game' document to which @CaptainsPlease refers, requests match officials allow Sikh players to play with taped up Kara (a steel bracelet).

Taken from the FA document: "Jewellery, religious or not, is strictly speaking not allowed on the football pitch. Referees though are encouraged to be flexible and pragmatic where possible and allow religious jewellery such as the Sikh kara (steel bangle)".
 
Emailed out this afternoon:

Update from FA Refereeing regarding undergarments

Dear Referee,

Please see below an important update from the FA in regards to undergarments, and a reminder that allowances should be made to allow football to be accessible for all.

Faith & Religious Clothing

The FA is committed to making football accessible ‘For All’ and we strive to remove all barriers that may restrict people from taking part in the sport.

In order to support this principle, if a player has to wear clothing as a requirement of their faith, we would expect the match referee to allow this to be accommodated. On occasions, where players wear shorts over the top of the trousers, this may result in trousers that are a different colour to the shorts worn; similarly with shirts and undershirts.

These players are expected to adhere to Law 4 regarding all other playing equipment (i.e socks, shin guards and the correct footwear).

If you have any questions on this, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
 
Explicit now that trouser are permitted so long as shorts are worn. Reinforces for me the media story has been blown out of all proportion- someone not listening to what’s been said properly, be that player or referee in question.
 
Tealeaf said:
Explicit now that trouser are permitted so long as shorts are worn. Reinforces for me the media story has been blown out of all proportion- someone not listening to what’s been said properly, be that player or referee in question.
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I don't read that tbh

I read it as anything is allowed as long as it's for 'religious' reasons. But if you do wear shorts over bottoms then they can different colours.

What level does this guidance apply to as well? Can you imagine this at supply league or above!
 
es1 said:
I don't read that tbh

I read it as anything is allowed as long as it's for 'religious' reasons. But if you do wear shorts over bottoms then they can different colours.

What level does this guidance apply to as well? Can you imagine this at supply league or above!
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It can be read either way, which is typical of FA communications. I'm sure they deliberately leave it as vague as possible so when they are then asked a question they can provide an answer that suits then best at the time.
 
RustyRef said:
It can be read either way, which is typical of FA communications. I'm sure they deliberately leave it as vague as possible so when they are then asked a question they can provide an answer that suits then best at the time.
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100%

Which is entirely unhelpful!
 
The FA badly needs a single point of reference for its 'local directives' to referees and a direct contact for queries about them. The way they are doing it really isn't good enough.

I suppose it also means we are expected to ask any player with irregular equipment if there is any particular reason they are wearing it.
 
CaptainsPlease said:
The FA badly needs a single point of reference for its 'local directives' to referees and a direct contact for queries about them. The way they are doing it really isn't good enough.

I suppose it also means we are expected to ask any player with irregular equipment if there is any particular reason they are wearing it.
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it also needs to clarify which of its laws are mandatory and which are open for 'interpretation' depending on the level of the game...
 
I've almost had a gagging order on this until the various statements went out, but I'm assuming I am released. If I'm not, hey ho ...

To start with, Iqra was absolutely not told she could not play in tracksuit bottoms, she was just told she had to wear shorts over them. This is 100% supportable in law, as it states shorts are a compulsory piece of equipment.

When it all first kicked off the FA said the referee was correct, then a few hours later they changed their mind and that is where the new statements have come from. There are claims that emails went out to referees last year about letting players wear leggings without shorts over them, but I'm yet to speak to a referee that received this.

My anger around all of this is the FA have thrown the referee and the league under the bus in saying that she should have been allowed to play without shorts. The statements that have all been made have been done so to appease the player, but not a single one has said that the referee acted correctly and that is absolutely disgraceful. He's just been left to hang as having got it wrong when he was actually correct.
 
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