At the end of this month, English football at every level will unite to promote Play Safe – a national campaign to focus attention of the vital importance of safeguarding in our national game.
Led by The Football Association, the Play Safe campaign is endorsed by the NSPCC and supported by every level of the game, including the Premier League, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship, and right across the grassroots game.
We are proud to be supporting Play Safe on our website and social media channels – and also by making an online Play Safe Pledge. Our pledge will see us remind all participants; players, supporters, team and match officials of their individual responsibilities.
Of course, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, so if you haven’t already, why not make your own Play Safe Pledge? We encourage you to do so.
“ I pledge to make Football in the Berkshire County Girls Football League a Safe and Rewarding place for all involved.”
This year’s Play Safe weekend has two main messages:
• Everyone, everywhere, every time’ should have an understanding of safeguarding in football;
• Everyone should ‘watch, listen, talk and act’ if they have any safeguarding concerns.
If you have a safeguarding concern, or would like some advice, the person to contact at Berkshire County Girls Football League is Coral John, 07436 895946.
PLAYERS' JEWELLERY
We have had a few issues already this season with players, parents and coaches being unhappy about referees requiring the removal of jewellery and not permitting the taping over of earrings.
The restrictions on jewellery are part of the Laws of the Game, intended for the safety of all players, and are not a League rule. The relevant law is detailed below, but please can all coaches and parents ensure that this is complied with BEFORE the referee inspects your players.
LAW 4: THE PLAYERS' EQUIPMENT
(IFAB Laws of the Game 2023-24)
1. Safety
A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous. All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
The players must be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play. If a player is wearing or using unauthorised/dangerous equipment or jewellery the referee must order the player to:
A player who refuses to comply or wears the item again must be cautioned.
We are always looking for new referees to join our panel of referees. Please go to our referees page to find out more information and to register as as referee.
The league entry forms for the coming season can be found here.
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