Milton Rule Clarification
MILTON FLAG AGREED TO FOLLOWING SAFETY ITEMS
Prior to the beginning of last night’s season opening game, the referees provided directions to the opposing team captains regarding certain safety related concerns. On behalf of the Southern Ontario Touch Football Officials Association, I have been asked to communicate the following 3 points to all 2009 MFFL players.
- Shorts or pants with pockets will not be allowed. It is too easy for a defensive player to break a finger by missing a flag and then have one or more fingers get caught in the pocket of the offensive player. Additionally, a missed flag by a defensive player can instead lead to the offensive player’s pocket being grabbed by mistake, resulting in the offensive player’s shorts or pants being ripped/torn beyond repair. The referees are within their rights to bar anyone with pockets from playing.
- For safety reasons, jewellery is not allowed to be worn on the field. All jewellery must be removed or taped to prevent possible injury to any of the players. The referees are within their rights to bar anyone who refuses to comply from playing.
- Also for safety reasons, players wearing prosthetic devices with exposed metal or hard plastic surfaces must have said surfaces covered with fabric (a ‘sleeve-like’ cover is most common). This precaution is to prevent possible injury to any other players. The referees are within their rights to bar anyone who refuses to comply from playing.
The job of a referee is tough enough as it is; supporting the position of the referees on these 3 safety issues will result in a proverbial ‘win–win’ situation for all parties concerned.