From the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 4 pertains to the players’ equipment and states:
Law 4 outlines the basic compulsory equipment to include shin guards, which must be made of rubber, plastic or similar suitable material and must provide reasonable protection. As such, shin guards must be worn during all SSA sanctioned games.
Players are not permitted to wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players. All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather or rubber bands, etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed.
All items of clothing or equipment are subject to the inspection of the match official.
Non-dangerous protective equipment, for example headgear, facemasks and knee and arm protectors made of soft, lightweight padded material is permitted as are goalkeepers’ caps and sports spectacles.
Where head covers (excluding goalkeepers’ caps) are worn, they must:
An insulin pump is designed to ensure that the player maintains a proper blood glucose level during the game. An extended period without infusion of insulin may result in hyperglycemia (excess sugar in the blood).
Law 4 states that a player may not use equipment that is dangerous to themselves or another player. This is further expanded upon in the interpretations of the Laws of the Game whereby it is advised that players may use equipment that has the sole purpose of protecting the individual physically providing that it poses no danger to the individual or any other player.
A player wearing an insulin pump because of a medical condition is permitted to play providing they have received written medical clearance and are able to provide the match official with a note indicating such. The pump itself must not present a danger to the individual or any other player.
If bleeding occurs where other participants may be exposed to blood, the individual's participation must be interrupted until the bleeding has been stopped. The wound must be cleansed with antiseptic and securely covered.
All clothing soiled with blood must be replaced prior to the athlete resuming training or competition. Clothing soiled with blood and other body fluids must be washed in hot, soapy water.
If an athlete leaves the field, has their injury treated and covered and wishes to re-enter the match in another, differently numbered jersey, that replaces a blood-stained jersey, they may re-enter only after the match official has been advised of the change of number.
All equipment and surfaces contaminated with blood and other body fluids should be cleaned with a solution of one-part household bleach to nine parts water. This solution should be prepared fresh daily. This is particularly important on the artificial turf of indoor arenas.
While cleaning blood or other body fluid spills, the following must be done:
Other wounds must be reviewed by medical personnel, including abrasions and all skin lesions and rashes on athletes, team personnel and match officials. All wounds, skin lesions and rashes must be confirmed as non-infectious and be securely covered prior to the athlete starting or continuing participation.
The following injury assessment protocols were developed as a part of the Canada Soccer/NCCP coach education program. Further information on the use of this protocol is available through the Canada Soccer community sport coaching courses.
An athlete will not be permitted to return to play while still experiencing symptoms.
An athlete will not be permitted to return to play without medical clearance from a healthcare professional.
Once medically cleared by a healthcare professional, the athlete can begin the return to play protocol.
The return to play protocol is a step-wise process that requires patience, attention and caution. Each step is a minimum of 24 hours. The protocol is as follows:
a Symptoms - Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
b No Symptoms - Proceed to Step 3 the next day.
a Symptoms - Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
b No Symptoms - Proceed to Step 4 the next day.
a Symptoms - Return to rest until symptoms have resolved. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
b No Symptoms - The time needed to progress from non-contact exercise will vary with the severity of the concussion and with the player. Proceed to Step 5 only after medical clearance.
Taken from SSA Section Thirteen/ Risk Management/ Policies and Procedures Manual