Knee Braces

AYSO policy statement 2.9 titled "Knee Braces" reads as follows:

AYSO will not prohibit the use of knee braces by players in AYSO events and programs, provided that the knee brace is adequately covered and padded so as to eliminate the possibility of its use causing injury to other players on the field of play.

The difference between casts or splints and knee braces is that a cast or splint is used for the treatment of a temporary injury to provide for healing. The use of a knee brace is different in that it is used to provide support and/or flexibility. Knee braces are designed to allow for flexibility of movement, while conversely, a cast or splint is designed to restrict mobility.

The Area's Rules for Knee Braces are as follows:

Players may wear hard knee braces if they meet the following requirements:

1.   Provide a signed letter from their doctor to the RC, which states that the player is required to wear a knee brace while playing soccer.

2.   Provide a signed letter from their parents to the RC, which states that they are aware of their child's injury, that their child's doctor has orders their child to wear a brace while playing soccer, and under these circumstances, give their permission for their child to play soccer.

3.   Prior to the start of the game, players wearing braces must receive an approval from the RC or his designee that the brace and it's fasteners are adequately covered and padded. Approval will be noted on the game card.

4.    The referee shall be responsible for ensuring that the brace continued to be safe during the game. If the brace should become unsafe by accident or due to the player's action, the player shall be removed from the game, can be substituted for and will not be allowed to reenter the game.