BOTSC

In January a new bylaw was passed in regards to the wearing of health tracking devices on the wrist. This bylaw was created in conjunction with the Referee Coordinator, a long-time referee, and the Cub Vice President. During this process IFAB was also consulted as some laws of the game have not changed or updated in almost 100 years. When these laws were created, the governing body did not anticipate that players of our vintage would still be playing the game. As a result we came up with the following by-law.

Bylaw 8, Section e

Health tracking devices may be worn by a player during a game provided that:

The member has been directed by their physician to wear a health monitoring device in order to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure, and the physician is aware that the member is wearing such a device while taking part in playing soccer.
The device, if worn on the wrist, is covered with an approved cover (sweat bands are not considered an approved cover). The cover should be of such a nature that the device does not become easily exposed during natural movement during play. (Note: A list of approved covers will be provided.)
The device, if worn on the wrist, is worn in such a manner that the face of the device is located on the inside of the member's wrist.
The wearing of a health monitoring device for vanity purposes is not approved unless they conform to IFAB requirements.
Any member wearing a health tracking device on their wrist must notify the match official at the start of each match that they are required by their physician to wear such a device.

At an Executive meeting, the recommended health monitoring device covers were discussed and two covers were deemed as the ones that would be recommended to the members as they meet the necessary criteria to ensure player safety. If a member is required as per the bylaw to wear a wrist-worn health monitoring device, then these are the covers that the member will need to wear if it is going to be accepted by the match official. It must be worn in the prescribed manner listed within the bylaw. Members risk being told to remove the device if the member is wearing a cover other than these two that are recommended. Sweat bands will not be accepted.

Health Monitoring Devices and Jewelry

Bylaw 8, Section e

Jewellery