Jewelry, Accessories, Casts, and Safety Guidelines
Each season, we review important safety rules about jewelry, casts, and other accessories. These guidelines come directly from the Laws of the Game and AYSO Safe Haven training.
What Is Allowed
Medical identification bracelets: Allowed if taped securely to the wrist or otherwise covered so no finger can get caught underneath. Use medical tape, not a sweatband.
Glasses: May be worn with or without a strap (a retaining band is recommended).
Goalkeeper hats: Allowed if the brim is soft, flexible, and easily bendable.
What Is Not Allowed
Jewelry and piercings:
No earrings or body piercings during practices or games.
Covering with a bandage is not acceptable – earrings must be removed.
If discovered during play, the referee will suspend the match and require removal before returning.
Responsibility:
Age-specific notes:
12U and older: Wearing jewelry after being told to remove it may result in a caution (yellow card).
10U and younger: No cautions are given; instead, the coach is responsible for removal and reminders. If earrings remain, the player must sit out.
Casts and Braces
Players may not wear hard casts or braces/wraps with plastic or metal parts. Wrapping them with foam or bubble wrap does not make them legal for play.
After cast removal, a player may only return to practices or games with a doctor’s written release submitted to the Regional Safety Director.
Parents cannot authorize or waive this rule.
Wrist and Arm Accessories
No friendship bracelets, wristbands, or sweatbands.
Only medical bracelets, taped securely as described above, are permitted.
Shin Guards
AYSO’s highest priority is player safety. Referees and coaches must never compromise these guidelines under pressure from players or parents. All enforcement ensures a safe, fair, and consistent experience for every participant.