Player Safety

Soccer is a fun and safe sport, but measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the players and others attending the games.

The Blood Rule

A player that is bleeding or that has blood on their equipment or an article of clothing, will not be permitted to play by the officials. If the bleeding can be stopped and bandaged and if contaminated equipment and clothing can be replaced, the player may rejoin the game.

Visit the Blood Rule page to view the full policy.

Casts, Splints, and Medical Devices

A player wearing a cast, splint, or any medical device will not be permitted to play by the officials. A player under the medical care of a physician may participate while wearing such only if written permission from the player’s doctor is provided to the Recreation Department office in advance of their practices or games. This permission is not accepted in the field; it must be in advance!

If permitted, a cast, splint, or any medical device may not be of plaster or other heavy or rigid construction so as to be dangerous; and must be wrapped with foam padding or other suitably safe material if practical. The referee or field supervisor may disallow a player from participation if, in their opinion, a cast, splint, or any medical device fails to meet this safety requirement.

Injuries

Referees should stop the game for any injury. When it becomes apparent that an injured player is down on the field, play should be allowed to continue until the ball goes out of play unless the play action threatens the injured player or unless the player is severely injured. Players must not be allowed on the field if they are bleeding or if there is blood on their body or clothing. Such players must be told to leave the field until (a) the bleeding can be stopped and (b) any clothing with blood on it replaced. First aid and medical care should only be performed by a competent and trained adult.

First aid and medical care should only be performed by a competent and trained adult.

If an severe injury occurs, the adult coaches have been instructed to call for help (such as police, fire, and medical assistance), but a referee certainly may do so if for some reason the need arises. Locate and notify the field supervisor as soon as it is practical to do so.

In the event of other serious injuries such as a bone break or a neck or back injury, a proper response by trained persons is critical to minimizing the potential for furthering the injury. This care should be performed by medically trained persons only. Have an adult call 911 for emergency help immediately! Do not attempt to move a victim of such an injury.