In
September 2000 a local referees brought along a pair of
football boots to the Reading Referees Society meeting. He
asked the other members if they would allow players to wear
similar boots. The overwhelming verdict was that they
considered the boots to be dangerous. This reaction was
brought about, because the boots didn't have studs but narrow
strips running lengthways along the sole, known as
'blades'.
Most older
referees remembered that before 1990, the law set minimum
diameters for studs and these 'blades' would certainly not
have passed the test. It was decided to take these
reservations to the FA, although the boots bore the mark
'approved by FIFA'. I think it fair to say we received short
shrift from the FA who pointed out that the boots and their
soles had been tested by FIFA and were found acceptable. It
was up to each referee, we were told, under the laws of the
game, to decide whether any player's footwear was dangerous or
not.
This puts
referees of course in a difficult position. How can an
individual referee go against the combination of FIFA, the FA
and the powerful commercial interests. It seemed however, we
were not alone in our reservations about these bladed boots.
Later that season. The Heme Bay and Whitstable Sunday League,
issued instructions to their clubs and referees, that this
type of boot was not to be worn, because of injuries it was
claimed they had caused.
The league
was swiftly rebuked by the FA, who repeated that it is the
sole discretion of the referee whether items of player's
equipment constituted a danger. In December 2001 the FA issued
a statement entitled 'Clarification on the use of "bladed
boots'". It stated that they were satisfied that
non-conventional studs are no more dangerous than normal studs
and are therefore not banned.
Again they
emphasised that it was up to referees but said their decisions
should not be based on arbitrary judgements such as style or
manufacturer.
Little more
was heard until towards the end of last season, when the
magazine 'Non League Football' contained many horror stories
of injuries which they said were caused by bladed football
boots. Whether prompted by this or not, before this season
started, all referees were issued with fresh instructions.
These said that any footwear has the potential to be dangerous
whether bladed or not. The FA legal department had warned that
a referee was in danger over 'duty of care' if a boot
inspection is not carried out before every game. That is why
footballers, even on local parks, are now having their boots
inspected by referees.
Years ago
when I refereed in senior football, it was standard practice
required by competitions but it was easily done in the
dressing rooms before the teams went out. On local grounds,
players often don't appear until shortly before kick off and
so usually the inspection has to be done on the field of play.
Guidelines from the FA, tell us to look for 'rough areas on
the edge of metal or plastic blades or studs. These burrs are
very sharp and it is these, that have been the cause of
lacerations on opponents.
Also, if
evidence emerges during a game, eg torn stockings,
lacerations, this should lead to a follow up inspection'. It
also points out that any dangerous boots must be made safe
before they can be used. Personally, I have not found any
resistance to inspections from players but so far of course, I
have not prevented anyone playing, because of the state of
their boots.
My tip though
for local clubs, is to add a file of some sort to their match
day kit. This could render any rough edges safe and ensure
their players will be able to take part in the game.
Dick
Sawdon Smith