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Post by Rajiv on Oct 20, 2011 8:51:20 GMT 8
We've discussed footwear elsewhere. From BBC Football:  I am making them required footwear for our games. We've also discussed the kind of ball we use, both on the old blog (first on 13 July 2009) and again on the message board, under the "Safety" thread. The main consideration then was safety. However, as a majority of our games are now on uncovered pitches, ball control in wet conditions is a significant factor. The smaller, reduced bounce, futsal would appear to be better for control in wet conditions, and are available at Sports Planet. However, they are not available at Khalsa. As for the standard football provided by Khalsa: .... It was a rather wayward ball which seems plastic and we had no other choice as it was the only ball available. ..... Controlling the ball was difficult so was dribbling it. .... one major difference I think would be the ball. It really is very different playing with such a light and bouncy ball. We kept losing possession so easily.. Even simple passes were horrible.. For the match on 1 September 2011, we used a reduced bounce ball instead of the ball provided by Khalsa: .... Some of the players on the losing side last week commented on the ball, which they were not used to. I think the same applied to Whites last night with the use of the reduced bounce ball. The ball can be a big factor. The pace of the game, the ease of control, the flight of the ball can all be different. Even top professionals are affected by minor changes in the ball.  .... , control is even more important. I'm fine with using a reduced bounce ball at Khalsa. However, as Khalsa don't provide such balls, and we don't always have the same players playing week in week out, the difficulty is in arranging for a reduced bounce ball to be available at every Khalsa game. For the Wednesday game at Khalsa, I understand that when Lynz is playing, he brings a reduced bounce ball.
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Post by Rajiv on Oct 30, 2011 14:04:07 GMT 8
.... Stanley Wore Boots .... I believe Stan D Man uses a pair of blades. I have previously spoken to him about that, and he says he takes care. He's one of our more technical players, so the risks may be lesser, but there is still some risk both to other players and himself. After yesterday's game, and after he had already left, it was pointed out to me that Steve F had been wearing boots (presumably blades, not studs). I hadn't noticed it myself. As far as safety is concerned, the position on blades is slightly ambiguous compared to studs, which are clearly disallowed. However, as a matter of standardizing equipment for our games, I will increasingly insist on rubber-pimple soled astro shoes per se. Previously I had pointed out the difficulty we face: I don't think we can insist that who those turn up with blades don't play (or play without boots even ). .... I suppose we can insist they change to trainers ( which are ok for the covered pitches, but will leave them slipping and sliding if the uncovered pitches are wet from rain). If they don't have trainers, perhaps we should insist they play in their socks. Regulars in particular, as they should know better. |
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Post by Bobby on Oct 31, 2011 11:47:01 GMT 8
So, are blades definitively disallowed at all our venues now?
I personally would prefer to continue using blades for the Khalsa pitch unless it is expressly disallowed.
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Post by Rajiv on Oct 31, 2011 15:02:21 GMT 8
So, are blades definitively disallowed at all our venues now? I personally would prefer to continue using blades for the Khalsa pitch unless it is expressly disallowed. Have you tried the all-weather astro shoes with rubber pimple soles? I believe they are far better suited for the astro pitches we play on: * The risk of slipping on a wet pitch is less than blades. * The risk of causing injury to other players with blades is eliminated. * The risk of turning your ankle should the blades get caught in the turf, or because blades, like studs, are less stable than ordinary sports shoes, is also eliminated. I am moving towards requiring astro shoes. Perhaps early in the new year, if not from the start. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jan 13, 2012 11:45:22 GMT 8
.... The type of ball we use might also make a difference. We tend to use a reduced bounce ball at Turf City and at Sports Planet ..., while using a normal football at Khalsa. The reduced bounce ball tends to promote shorter passing. I actually had two futsals at home which I bought back in 2008/2009. One reason I stopped using them was that when fully inflated, they are significantly harder than a standard football, thus increasing the risk of injury. On Wednesday, I countered this by having the ball slightly deflated. It worked out well. The other two significant equipment issues for our games are tops and shoes. For tops: Everyone should bring both designated colours for every game. For shoes, astro shoes should be used instead of studs/blades. At least two more players who used to wear plastic blades have switched to astro shoes. .... Anyone else still wearing plastic studs/blades? There is a more thorough discussion of the risks of plastic blades/studs on the Safety thread. |
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Post by Rajiv on Mar 2, 2014 13:57:37 GMT 8
From above: .... I'll put up a poll on the Stand-Alone Polls board as to the preferred type of ball. If we can standardize the type of ball across all our games, that would be good. However, it also works fine if the type of ball is decided game by game. The poll has been up for 12 days now, but only 1 vote so far, in favour of leaving it to the 2 team selectors/captains to decide. I think we can leave it to the two team selectors/captains. I'll lock the poll. Currently, under the "Equipment" section of the GIFFA System thread: .... Balls are provided at the venue. However, the quality of the ball provided may vary greatly. It is preferable if team selectors can bring or arrange for one of the players to bring a ball. Our preference is for a reduced bounce ball, but an ordinary size-5 ball will do. .... However, also from above: .... I'm working on an idea to resolve the issue of balls. If a ball brought by a player is used up to the end of a game, that player will be given a $1 credit for the first 35 games with that ball. The aim is to encourage as many players as possible to bring their own ball to our games. The players at the game can indicate their preference, and the two team selectors/captains will decide which ball is used. If the choice doesn't work well, they can change to any other ball that is available. I believe balls are still around $30 each. If a player's ball is used 35 times in this way, he gets $35 credit, which should cover the cost of the ball, and put him into credit. He can also use the ball in other games that he plays. Hopefully, it works to overcome the following obstacle: .... As players come and go, and the personnel for a game changes from week to week, relying on players to bring the requisite ball may not work. .... .... .... I think it's practical enough, so I will implement it from the next game to be scheduled. To claim the $1 credit, the player's ball must be in use at the end of the game, and must be reported on the report thread for that game. From the "GIFFA system & playing rules" thread: .... I've moved the rules on footwear from the Playing Rules & Principles thread to the "Equipment" section of GIFFA System thread. It also covers tops, balls and other equipment. The rules on footwear which were moved are as follows: .... As all our games are played on astro turf, if you play regularly, you should get a pair of astro shoes, like these:
Exceptions: i. For the covered pitches at The Grandstand and Kallang, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, use flat soled shoes (for hard court), or even trainers (basketball or running). If you are new or irregular and don't even have flat soled shoes or trainers (hard to believe, but I'll take your word for it), you may, as a one-off exception, use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs. ii. For the uncovered pitches at Khalsa and East Coast, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, you can use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs, as flat soled shoes or trainers are not suitable when the pitch is wet. .... Looking forward, I may try to tie up with a manufacturer or wholesaler to provide astro shoes at a discount. Also under the "Equipment" section of the GIFFA System thread: .... You should also have both a white top and a red top. .... Gloves (for taking turns in goal) and shin pads, are optional. If you wear glasses, have a strap to keep your glasses in place, or consider sports goggles. From the "OPSAGE" thread: .... ..., I am also considering the following for this year:
....
If I can get it going this year, that would be good, otherwise, next year. From the "Safety, health & sustainability" thread: Protective goggles were first raised by Look Liew on the old FIOFAFI blog as long ago as 3 July 2008! As this thread is now more about equipment generally, rather than standardizing equipment specifically, I will re-name it accordingly. |
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Post by Rajiv on Jun 22, 2014 12:34:02 GMT 8
From the report thread for the game on Sunday, 25 May 2014, at The Grandstand: .... .... .... Apologies to Dev for stepping on his foot. Were you wearing blades? The use of blades have been the subject of much controversy, especially at the covered pitches at The Grandstand, as discussed previously on this thread, as well as on the "Safety, health & sustainability" thread. The "Equipment" section of the GIFFA System thread currently provide as follows: .... As all our games are played on astro turf, if you play regularly, you should get a pair of all-weather astro shoes, like these: Exceptions: i. For the covered pitches at The Grandstand and Kallang, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, use flat soled shoes (for hard court), or even trainers (basketball or running). If you are new or irregular and don't even have flat soled shoes or trainers (hard to believe, but I'll take your word for it), you may, as a one-off exception, use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs. ii. For the uncovered pitches at Balestier Road and East Coast, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, you can use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs, as flat soled shoes or trainers are not suitable when the pitch is wet. Where a player uses blades or studs, the onus is on the user to take extra care not to catch other players with the blades or studs. .... Kelvin had been playing often enough at The Grandstand, and has had enough time to comply with the requirements for our games at The Grandstand. Without further prompting from me: .... On a side note, now everyone can stop bitching about my blades.... I finally saved enough money from writing match reports, being match selector and captain to buy a decent pair.... Also part of the reason why I was kind of crap today   |
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Post by Rajiv on Jul 23, 2014 13:31:28 GMT 8
Fred, I've moved your post here, and quoted the post you were replying to. The rules are clear: EquipmentAs all our games are played on astro turf, if you play regularly, you should get a pair of all-weather astro shoes, like these: Exceptions: i. For the covered pitches at The Grandstand and Kallang, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, use flat soled shoes (for hard court), or even trainers (basketball or running). If you are new or irregular and don't even have flat soled shoes or trainers (hard to believe, but I'll take your word for it), you may, as a one-off exception, use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs. ii. For the uncovered pitches at Balestier Road and East Coast, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, you can use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs, as flat soled shoes or trainers are not suitable when the pitch is wet. Where a player uses blades or studs, the onus is on the user to take extra care not to catch other players with the blades or studs. .... It is now a question of enforcement. I'm not going to suggest that selectors/captains check footwear before the game. However, if anyone notices improper or unsuitable footwear, they should bring it to the attention of the selectors/captains. At first instance, it is for the selectors/captains to decide what action should be taken. At the very least, they should remind the player concerned to exercise greater care. If the matter is more serious (either the player disregards the selectors/captains, or there is an injury, or a player has been reminded previously), the selectors/captains or the other players affected should inform me. I am considering a system of penalties for significant breaches of the rules. In the longer term, I will have to address the issue with manufacturers. Manufacturers market "hybrids" as being suitable for both grass and astroturf in order to capture market share. However, often, hybrids, while offering good traction, are not necessarily safe, especially when the player wearing them accidentally steps on or kicks another player. If players read this thread, well and good, but most don't. It's hard to tell a player who has bought a pair of boots/shoes after being told by the retailer that they are suitable for astro turf that he can't use those for our games. The bigger problem might be that very few outlets stock shoes solely for use on astro turf. |
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Post by Fred on Jul 23, 2014 16:25:25 GMT 8
Studs are ordinarily not allowed on the covered pitches at The Grandstand. That's what the rule actually says. Not that obvious from the Equipment section. Perhaps you can state it more clearly about studs and blades. Not sure about this terminology, are they like the ones Kelvin bought? |
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Post by Rajiv on Jul 23, 2014 20:48:13 GMT 8
Studs are ordinarily not allowed on the covered pitches at The Grandstand. That's what the rule actually says. Not that obvious from the Equipment section. Perhaps you can state it more clearly about studs and blades. .... In the "Equipment" section, I am covering several venues and several scenarios. For The Grandstand, I state: - Use astro shoes.
- If a player doesn't have astro shoes, use flat soled shoes or trainers.
- If a player is new or irregular, and turns up with studs/blades, then, the onus is on him to take greater care.
I doubt many players even read the section. However, it's there for the selectors/captains/regulars to refer to if the player concerned questions what he is being told. Having the rule is one thing. The selectors/captains/regulars have to play a more active part in ensuring the rule is complied with.
.... Not sure about this terminology, are they like the ones Kelvin bought? Nowadays, there are many variations. That's what makes the rule harder to frame, and enforce. Pure astro shoes are more likely sold in shops selling equipment for field hockey (because all hockey is played on astro), then shops selling footwear for football (as a lot of football is still played on grass). I have been trying to find shops which stock pure astro shoes. Astro shoes are more easily found online, such as on this website (Sports Direct). Hybrids tend to have extra blade or stud like features at the heel and sides to give additional grip on grass. Manufacturers want to capture both markets. I don't see how hybrids are suitable for astro turf. .... We've said enough times that it was an injury waiting to happen. Now that it's there it's time to act. Unfortunately, Rockstar was also on the receiving end on at least one previous occasion, prior to January 2012. |
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Post by Rajiv on Feb 9, 2019 22:23:26 GMT 8
Both Raj and Jon Stratton have messaged me over the past few days to say some of the newer players playing on the covered pitch at the Grandstand are using studs / blades. The Game kit & equipment section on the GIFFA System thread provides as follows: As all our games are played on astro turf, if you play regularly, you should get a pair of all-weather astro shoes, like these: Exceptions: i. For the covered pitches at The Grandstand and Kallang, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, use flat soled shoes (for hard court), or even trainers (basketball or running). If you are new or irregular and don't even have flat soled shoes or trainers (hard to believe, but I'll take your word for it), you may, as a one-off exception, use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs. ii. For the uncovered pitches at Serangoon and Macpherson, if you don't have a pair of astro shoes, you can use boots with soft plastic blades or small studs, as flat soled shoes or trainers are not suitable when the pitch is wet. Where a player uses blades or studs, the onus is on the user to take extra care not to catch other players with the blades or studs. Astro football shoes are available at Decathlon for as low as $20. If I am provided with their WhatsApp contact, I refer new players to the Forum Overview thread. I will add specific references there to the GIFFA System and the Overriding Principles, Core Values & Game Rules (the "Rules") threads. Once team selectors/captains for a game have been appointed, I leave all game-related matters to the selectors/captains. This includes ensuring players continue to comply with all applicable aspects of the GIFFA System and the Rules. Currently, the first post on the Rules thread provides as follows: .... During a game, the two team selectors/captains also have the final say on the application of the Overriding Principles, Core Values & Game Rules. If the team selectors/captains cannot agree, the issue should be discussed on the report thread after the game, and may be followed up on the appropriate announcements and developments thread. Any residual dissatisfaction after the game can also be discussed on the report thread for the game. .... I will revise the post to make it clearer that the selectors/captains' role includes wherever necessary checking on kit and equipment, and reminding their team-mates during the game of applicable provisions of the GIFFA System and Rules. If the opposing selector/captain has an issue with an opposing player, please speak to the opposing selector/captain first, who in turn, can address the issue with the player. Players should take all reminders from their own captains to heart. If the opposing selector/captain disagrees, or the selector/captain finds his team-mate does not take his reminder to heart, then the dissatisfied selector/captain can raise the issue with me. I think this is an appropriate way for adults to conduct themselves, and our games are for adults. On a separate note, as discussed recently on the Safety, health & sustainability thread, the reduced bounce ball carries a greater risk of eye injury. The reduced bounce ball is used regularly for the weekend games on the big covered pitch at the Grandstand. The risk of eye injury is compounded by the fact that these games are also more crowded (8-a-side rather than 7-a-side) and more competitive, giving rise to a higher chance of unexpected ricochets. With these considerations in mind, goggles are recommended, especially for the weekend games at the Grandstand. An article on the use of sports goggles can be found here. I will revise the Game kit & equipment section on the GIFFA System thread accordingly. On a lighter note, the following is from the WhatsApp group chat for a Wednesday night game a couple of months ago:  I am open to players bringing extra red or white tops, and "renting" them out to other players who don't have the correct colour. However, I think $2 each time is more than fair. If any player asks for more than $2, I will charge the player collecting payment 50%, rounded down to the nearest dollar. Currently, we have no rules or recommendations relating to goalkeeping gloves. As generally, each player takes a turn in goal, there is a risk of hand and figure injury from goalkeeping. I saw cheap goalkeeping gloves at Decathlon recently. The one below is going for $5.  If, for each game, selectors/captains bring a pair for use by their team, they will get an additional $1 credit. As with the ball credit, they have to claim the credit on the report thread. If any player does not want to share gloves with others, you can always buy your own pair. I will first revise the Game kit & equipment section of the GIFFA System thread. I am reviewing the position on shin pads. If everyone wears proper astro shoes as described above, there is no need for shin pads. As referred to above, the onus is on anyone wearing blades/studs to take extra care not to cause undue pain, or injury, to other players by using such footwear. Further, if there is a clash of shins between a player wearing shin pads (especially the hard plastic type) and one not wearing shin pads, far greater pain is caused to the player not wearing shin pads. As such, I am minded not to allow certain types of shin pads. |
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.... It was a rather wayward ball which seems plastic and we had no other choice as it was the only ball available. ..... Controlling the ball was difficult so was dribbling it. ....
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