Whether it is something as benign as a few drops of blood on a player’s uniform, or an open wound gushing blood from an injured player, we must know how to correctly resume play as it relates to the injured player and any soiled uniforms.

We at REF 60 often use the term “paramedic training,” when discussing stressful in-game situations (a fight; a volatile coach; combative spectators, and in this case a bloody player) that officials must be able to instinctively rely on what they have been taught to effectively handle the situation.

And like all good paramedics who arrive on a chaotic scene, the mantra, “first, do no harm…” certainly applies to officials and that means, “do not touch the player!”

• Team A team may be granted a timeout to accomplish this to keep A-1 from missing any time.

•  If a player from Team A and Team B are affected, both teams must use a timeout to keep their respective player's from having to leave the game. 

• A player may use the game jersey of a teammate who has not played and the official will note the change in the book without any penalty.  The new number is placed next to the player’s line in the book, and he/she may continue where play was interrupted.

• The opposing team (Team B) may even provide a jersey or pants for Team A, provided it is of a color that will not cause confusion for the officials.   

But however the problem is remedied, there is no quick disrobing permitted in the playing area.

• It is a technical foul for a player to remove his/her jersey or pants within the visual confines of the playing area.
• If the player is removed from the game and is now bench personnel, any bench technical foul for removing his/her jersey would result in an indirect technical foul being charged to the head coach.   

Remember that rule competency breeds confidence and calmness in chaos, so always rely on your “paramedic training” when it comes to any of the above scenarios, and you will be bloody fine!

Reference NFHS Rule 3-3-7; 10-3-6h; 10-4-1h