AYSO's Pets and Jewelry policy
About Pets
In the interest and safety of our players and volunteers, it is the policy of Region 1258 and Area 1S to not allow any type of pets on the playing fields at any time during practices or games.
From the AYSO Guidance for Coaches and Referees Manual
Are players permitted to wear jewelry, earrings or studs?
Jewelry, including earrings, of any kind worn in any visible body piercing or any stud used when the
jewelry is not being worn must be removed before the player is allowed to participate in a practice
or game. Covering the jewelry or stud with tape, padding or bandage is not sufficient, the jewelry
must be removed before playing. In the case of visible taped-over or bandaged suspected piercings,
referees must not ask players to lift or remove articles of clothing or bandages. It is acceptable
however, to ask a player if the tape or bandages is covering an earring. The referee must accept the
answer provided, regardless of suspicions.
Since it is rare that an earlobe or eyebrow is taped as the result of an injury, the referee should
suspect that a player is using tape or other covering to hide a piercing. It is the responsibility of the
referee to ask the coach whether or not the player has been injured or is hiding a piercing. This
should be done in a cordial manner and in the presence of the player. An assistant referee or other
official must also be present. Coaches have the responsibility of not allowing players wearing jewelry
to participate in practices orgames. If the coach confirms that it is an injury being covered, the
referee may not prohibit the player from playing because of the tape or covering. In either case, the
referee must indicate in his or her game report which players and coaches were questioned and their
responses.
Players wearing beads braided into the hair must wear a hair net covering the beads in order to
prevent them from flying into their face or the face or eyes of another player.
Coaches and referees are role models and should abide by the same rules as the players in regard
to wearing jewelry, earrings and studs during practices or games.
Can Players wear Medical Alert Bracelets?
Children may participate in games and practices while wearing medical alert bracelets. The bracelet
should be covered with a cloth wristband or something equivalent, which does not involve taping
the bracelet directly to the child's skin, as this can be very painful to the child when it is removed.
We must all recognize that if the bracelet is removed and lost or hidden in any way, the child
might be put in danger, particularly if the parents are not present to ensure that the medical
condition is known. We must also recognize that it is unlikely that a medical alert bracelet, when
properly covered, will pose a danger to the other children who are participating. Medical alert
sports bands with a snug-fitting soft, polyester ribbon band are now available and should be
permitted without modification.