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PIM 04-1 PLAYERS EQUIPMENT  (effective September 12, 2004)

Memorandum 2004

Removing the Jersey While Celebrating a Goal 6/29/04 1:27 PM

With the recently announced approval by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) of a new Decision in Law 12, referees will be required, as of July 1, 2004, to caution and show the yellow card to any player who removes their jersey as part of a goal celebration.

Since this player behavior has been the subject of different requirements in the past, U.S. Soccer is making available a presentation on the topic on http://www.ussoccer.com at by following this link - Removalofthejerseyel.pps and on the "Instructional & Training Materials" page of the site (since the presentation is a large file, we recommend downloading the document to your local drive, rather than opening it via the link). This presentation, developed by FIFA and slightly modified by USSF, explains the new decision and how it should be implemented. The presentation is consistent with the "USSF Advice to Referees" provided in Memorandum 2004 on the annual Law changes.

The presentation is a colorful and concise explanation of the following points:

	"Removing the jersey" includes covering the head and pulling the jersey over the head as well as complete removal of the shirt.
	Any player or substitute on the team celebrating a goal must be cautioned if their jersey is removed, not just the player who scored the goal.
	The caution is mandatory even if the player is wearing an undershirt, including an undershirt that appears to be an exact replica of the jersey.
	A player whose jersey removal reveals pictures or text on an undershirt or on the skin must be dealt with in accordance with established guidelines based on what is revealed: A red card is shown if the material is insulting, abusive, or offensive; A yellow card is shown if the material is deemed unsporting; and If the material falls under neither of these categories, the incident is reported to the competition authority.

Players whose behavior stops short of removing the jersey (as defined above) are not required to be cautioned, but they may be cautioned if, in the opinion of the referee, the player’s behavior results in or is a part of an excessively delayed restart of play.  The presentation slides are accompanied by detailed instructor notes.

Memorandum 2003

As most of you are aware, the International Football Association Board meets annually, makes changes to the Laws of the Game, and issues points of emphasis for referees to follow.  The United States Soccer Federation then issues an annual Memorandum incorporating these changes and directives to referees in the United States.  Unless indicated otherwise, these changes are effective on July 1.

 Simply stated, there are no significant changes for referees to be made aware of with the Memorandum 2003.  The change to the procedures related to the coin toss prior to Kicks from the Penalty Mark should be duly noted.  A brief summary of the changes is as follows:

	Law 4 – Advertising on player’s equipment is now not limited to only the jersey;
	Clarification is provided on assistance from the Fourth Official;
	The winner of the coin toss prior to the taking of Kicks from the Penalty Mark now has the  choice of kicking first or second;
	There are additional instructions on how to deal with players who infringe the provisions of Law 14;
	FIFA/USSF has reaffirmed the decision taken with the 2002 Memorandum banning temporary expulsions; and
	The use of artificial surfaces will go forward and clear guidelines are being developed.

Click on this link for the full text:  2003 Law Changes Memorandum