Safety, health & sustainability
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Nov 27, 2014 23:04:34 GMT 8
The haze arose as an issue again in October 2014, but only one game was partially affected by the haze. From the schedule thread for the game on Monday, 6 October 2014, at Macpherson:
Oct 6, 2014 16:27:39 GMT 8 Rajiv said:
Boon Yick is out due to the PSI.
With numbers stuck on 12:
Concerns about the haze so game cancelled.
The PSI was high on several occasions in October 2014 and the first half of November 2014, but no other game was affected. The game on Tuesday, 7 October 2014, at Kallang, was cancelled due to lack of numbers, although I did say:
Stuck at 4, and I am reluctant to ask around with the haze situation, so best to cancel.
With the PSI reaching 400 in June 2013, I considered having benchmarks for allowing late withdrawals and even cancellation of the game, but with the PSI unpredictable and capable of changing fairly quickly, any such benchmarks would be difficult to implement.
We're now well into the rainy season, so haze shouldn't be a factor for the next few months.
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Sept 15, 2015 11:34:55 GMT 8
Post by Rajiv on Sept 15, 2015 11:34:55 GMT 8
Previously on this thread:
Nov 27, 2014 23:04:34 GMT 8 Rajiv said:
From the schedule thread for the game last night (Monday at Macpherson):
Unfortunately, the 3-hour PSI at 7 pm was 167, and climbed to 223 by 8 pm.
As such, the game is cancelled.
For the game tonight:
3-hour PSI at 10pm is 242. We need a drastic improvement for the game to go on.
Sept 15, 2015 10:42:12 GMT 8 Raphael said:
Hi Rajiv - what is the protocol for haze levels and game cancellation? what is the max level we'll play at?
It has been raining heavily for about half an hour now, so that should bring the PSI down drastically. The 3-hour PSI is now 104.
Also previously on this thread:
From the schedule thread for the game yesterday (Saturday, 22 June 2013):
Like I've said, it's totally upredictable. I'll accept withdrawals any time the PSI climbs above 150, and cancel the game if it climbs above 250 anytime between 4 and 5 pm. Those who don't want to play if the PSI is between 100 and 150 (or even if it is less than 100), please withdraw by 1 pm. If due to withdrawals, there are insufficient players for the big pitch (less than 14) anytime after 3.30 pm, the game will either be switched to a small pitch (if there are at least 10 still wanting to play) or cancelled.
Now the question is whether I rely on the 24-hour PSI or the 3-hour PSI.
The government is now using the 24-hour PSI as this is a better indicator of the longer term health risk. However, we are dealing with an intense one hour game, so I'll stick with the 3-hour PSI.
The remaining question is whether I should reduce the thresholds referred to above.
HYFA @ Macpherson informed me that they use 150 as the threshold, so I will stick with that. I will also stick with the 3 hour PSI. To summarise, I'll cancel the game if the 3-hour PSI climbs above 150 in the hour before the game. If any player does not want to play if the PSI is between 100 and 150, please withdraw at least 5 hours before the game, otherwise, the usual penalties for late withdrawal will apply.
As last night's game was cancelled due to the haze, I'll schedule a make-up game on Sunday night at Khalsa. Although there are a lot of places left for Thursday at Khalsa, some of the players who would have played last night are playing on Wednesday, so they may not want to play 2 days in a row. Also, some players may not be available on Thursday.
Last Edit: Sept 17, 2015 14:54:57 GMT 8 by Rajiv
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Oct 3, 2015 9:03:58 GMT 8
Post by Rajiv on Oct 3, 2015 9:03:58 GMT 8
Continuing from the post above, on the "Filling places & choices thread:
Three night games have been cancelled so far due to the haze:
The game on Monday, 14 September 2015, at Macpherson, with the 3-hour PSI at 167 at 7 pm, and 223 at 8 pm.
The game on Monday, 28 September 2015, at Macpherson, with the 3-hour PSI reaching 261 at 6 pm, and most players deciding to cancel.
The game on Tuesday, 29 September 2015, on a small pitch at The Grandstand, with the 3-hour PSI at 8 pm was 167. Although it had fallen from 230 at 5 pm, those living in the vicinity of the Grandstand said it was still pretty bad in that area.
On the other hand, 2 other games went ahead with the PSI climbing above 150:
The game on Wednesday 23 September 2015, at Khalsa. The 3-hour PSI was 150 at 8 pm, but climbed to 178 at 9 pm, and was 194 by 10 pm.
For the game on 28 September 2015, after it had been cancelled by the players at 6 pm, the following from the schedule thread:
With some rain at 6 pm, 3-hour PSI fell to 168 by 8 pm, 176 by 9 pm, and 171 at 10 pm. We could have have gone on if the players had wanted to. I'm always prepared to wait until 8 pm to make the final call.
As I have pointed out before, this forum is facilitative. Ultimate decisions are made by those playing. Going forward I propose the following:
Anyone who doesn't want to play even if the 3-hour PSI is below 150 one hour before the game should withdraw 5 hours before the game, so that I have enough time to find a replacement. This includes players who don't want to wait until one hour before the game, and want to make other plans instead.
If the 3-hour PSI is between 150 and 175 one hour before the game, I will leave it to the individual players whether they wish to go on. If enough players want to go on, the game can go on. Those who don't can drop out.
If the 3-hour PSI is between 175 and 200 1 hour before the game, I will suggest to the players that the game be cancelled. If enough players want to go on, I will not cancel the game, subject to the caveat that the players who want to go on should consider the conditions at the venue at before the game starts, and make a final decision then whether to go on. If they decide at that time to cancel, please let me know,so that I can cancel the booking too.
If the 3-hour PSI is above 200, I will make the decision to cancel.
Some views that the thresholds are too low:
Cedric, on the WhatsApp group chat for the game on Saturday, 19 September 2015, when the 3-hour PSI in the morning went above 170: "I will play as long as not above 200. 150 seems a tad low to cancel "
Daniel TKC, on the WhatsApp group chat for the game on 23 September 2015: "Im ok up to 270"
Rockstar, on the WhatsApp group chat for the game today (Saturday): "I think game will go on as long as is below 200 psi"
Babs, on the WhatsApp group chat for the game today: "200 is nothing! Should be at least 300
I will continue to use the 3-hour PSI from the NEA website. However, in deciding whether to go on at PSI levels above 150, players may wish to consider additional factors:
Hourly figures, available from Air Pollution in Asia: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and No Bullshit PSI Readings
The regional PSI figures, available from the above two websites.
Which way the PSI is trending.
On a separate note, there have been several games recently, which have given rise to concerns about injuries and the risk of injuries:
Game on Sunday, 21 April 2015. A ring worn by a player causes a cut on another player's eyebrow
Game on Saturday, 20 June 2015, when a player felt another had crashed through him when making a tackle, causing him a neck injury.
Game on Thursday, 13 August 2015, when a player felt another had caught him with a late tackle, causing him a serious ankle injury. An additional issue was whether there had been an apology.
Game on Saturday, 15 August 2015, when the same player who had suffered the neck injury above, felt the same other player had caught his ankle with a late tackle, causing him an ankle injury, and that the other player's response was that he was going for the ball.
Game on Tuesday, 25 August 2015, when in an overly competitive game, a player was caught in the nose/mouth by another player's hand, causing bleeding.
Game on Tuesday, 8 September 2015, when in a carry over from the game on 25 August 2015, the same player was overly pumped up, and went in overly hard in several tackles. Again, there was an issue of whether there had been apologies for bad tackles.
For the ring issue in the game on 21 April 2015, my response was as follows:
I have added the following to the Playing Rules & Principles:
Playing Rules:
Please remove all hard, sharp or dangerous objects from your person before the game starts.  If you do not wish to remove a wedding band or any religious or sentimental object that you wear which although hard, has no sharp edges, please ensure it is safely taped up. Team selectors/captains should exclude a player with such object from the game until this is done.
The issues that arose in the other games have been discussed on various threads on this Announcements & Developments board, including this one, the "GIFFA System & playing rules" thread, and the GIFFA values, principles & standards" thread, and are covered to some extent or other in the Playing Rules & Principles.
The considerations that require emphasis include:
Every player has a responsibility to take due care. While injuries, even serious ones, may arise even from innocuous tackles, the risk is greater from reckless or overly robust play. Both reckless and overly robust play need to be cut out. Players prone to injury should also take greater care of themselves.
Any tackle that goes through an opposing player, or catches or goes through an opposing player in the follow through is not allowed, and is a foul. If excessive force is used, it will be viewed far more seriously.
No matter what the provocation or grievance, any form of retaliation will be viewed very seriously.
Our games accommodate players of varying styles and abilities. This was addressed on the old blog as early January 2009, in a post entitled "Playing Styles And Foul Play". Some players generally tackle harder than others. Players who are overly robust should cut it out. Players who are clumsy should be more careful. However, to deliberately go in harder on certain players because you have an issue with them or don't like them is wrong. If you have an issue with another player, bring it up with the team selectors/captains, or me. To target a player to be on the receiving end of greater force than a player would usually apply is a form of intentionally robust play, and may be viewed more seriously than overly robust play arising through recklessness (for which greater care should be taken) or a personal style of play (which should be moderated).
If a foul or bad tackle was accidental, arising from misjudging the situation or mistiming the tackle, an apology should be forthcoming. If nothing else, the apology serves to show that it was in fact an accident. An apology offered should be accepted by the player on the receiving end. If there is any issue to follow up on, do so with the selectors/captains, on the report thread, or with me.
And from the report thread for the game on 15 August 2015:
Aug 21, 2015 14:18:05 GMT 8 Rajiv said:
Aug 19, 2015 23:11:56 GMT 8 Jye said:
Lets play to Giffa rules. If anyone feels that a foul has been committed, call for it
That's the way it's supposed to be.
Further, all our games should be played in the spirit of sportsmanship.
I will tighten up the "Safety, duty of care & disclaimer" section of the GIFFA System, and the Playing Rules & Principles, as may be necessary, to further address the above considerations.
Currently, they provide as follows:
Safety, duty of care & disclaimer
Safety is a priority. Contact sport such as our football games carry an inherent risk of injury, arising from normal play. However, players should take reasonable care not to cause injury to other players and themselves through carelessness, or reckless or intentional acts. Players are reminded that reckless or intentional acts which cause injury to another player may give rise to civil or even criminal liability.
This message board is facilitative, and I cannot be responsible for incidents during a game, conduct by one player against another, or the condition of the venue or pitch our games are play at. Players are responsible for their own actions. I am limited to imposing appropriate sanctions after the event. For the condition of venues and pitches, I will raise the matter with those who own and operate the facility.
Our games are competitive and can get heated on occasion. Do not allow the heat of the moment to cloud your judgment. Anger or a sense of grievance is no excuse for reckless tackles, retaliation or assaults on other players. Issues arising during a game that are not resolved immediately are best dealt with after the game, either in a post-game discussion at the venue, on the report thread, sending me a personal message on this message board, or sending me a message by WhatsApp or SMS. Do not allow the heat of a particular incident to affect the rest of the game, or your conduct and actions during the remainder of the game.
If you are or have been ill, or are carrying or recovering from an injury, please consider whether you need more rest, or need to consult a specialist. I reiterate that each player is responsible for his own well-being.
For more information and background, see the following announcements and developments threads:
GIFFA system & playing rules
GIFFA values, principles & standards
Our regular venue & pitches
PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THIS THREAD. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN OUR GAMES IS PREMISED ON IT.
We play each game without a referee.
The playing rules set out in the post below are geared towards keeping the game flowing while reducing the risk of injury and are intended to accommodate different styles of play.
Team selectors/captains can agree to modify or adapt the rules to take into account circumstances at the game.
Our core values are:
Maintaining health, fitness and/or interests even as we get older through sustainable participation in sports and other activity.
Facilitating a work-life balance.
Voluntary participation with maturity and in good spirits.
Achieving a balanced and healthy perspective on sport and competition.
Developing friendships and finding enjoyment through participation.
Everyone who plays by the rules and core values is welcome. The converse is that anyone who does not play by the rules and core values is not welcome.
During a game, the two team selectors/captains also have the final say on the application of the Playing Rules & Principles. 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.
Anyone who repeatedly breaches or disregards the rules and principles may be blocked from playing for a period of time. To this end:
If a team selector/captain informs me that a player on his team repeatedly breaches the rules or doesn't play in the right spirit (including in previous games), I will remind him in writing (WhatsApp, e-mail or personal message on the message on the message board). The same applies if I am informed by two team mates, or any 3 players, instead of the team selector/captain. The player concerned will not be informed who provided me the information.
If a player is reminded a second time, then on the third occasion, he will be suspended for 4 games, provided that the information is provided by at least 2 team selectors/captains or 5 players in total.
If the information concerns a team selector/captain in his role as a team selector/captain, in addition to reminding the player concerned, I may exclude him from the team selector poll for up to 4 games.
More serious cases may result in an indefinite or permanent ban.
The above rules and principles may be revised from time to time. Originally posted on 21 November 2010. Last revised on 3 July 2014.
Please remove all hard, sharp or dangerous objects from your person before the game starts. If you do not wish to remove a wedding band or any religious or sentimental object that you wear which although hard, has no sharp edges, please ensure it is safely taped up. Team selectors/captains should exclude a player with such object from the game until this is done.
If one team is a player short due to uneven numbers, a late withdrawal or no show, a player arriving late, fatigue, injury, illness or a player leaving the game, we try to find a replacement at the venue itself. If a replacement cannot be found, we continue with one team a player short. The team with the extra player is restricted in its scoring to within an imaginary line running through the penalty spot for the opposing goal. The same if one team is short due to a player being late. If the team that is a player short is losing badly in the second half of the game, a player from the side with the extra player should switch to the team with a player short. The scoring restriction is also switched.
Unless a player has an injury or physical impediment that prevents him from playing in goal, the players in each team take turns in goal. It's the only break you get! Unless a player volunteers to spend more time in goal, everyone should spend a similar amount of time in goal. The goalkeeper can come out of the "D" but can only handle the ball within the "D". Other players can enter the D. There is no backpass rule, so the goalkeeper can pick up the ball even if the ball was passed back to him by a team mate.
We play for an hour flat out, without substitutes. If you haven't played for a while, pace yourself, and spend more time in goal if necessary. It is disruptive to the game if you need to leave the pitch to rest. Arrive early to warm up properly and meet your team-mates and opponents.
We play to the goal lines, so if the ball crosses the goal-line on either side of the goal, it's either a goal kick or corner. As the corner angle of every pitch is very close to the netting/wall, the ball may be moved in, up to a foot in from the goal-line and 2 feet from the side line. A goal-kick can be taken from anywhere in the D.
We play off the side walls/nets/fencing/padding for 5-a-side games at Kallang and East Coast (small pitch) and 7-a-side game at East Coast (big pitch). We play to the side lines at the Grandstand and at Balestier Road, for 4-a-side games at Kallang, and a 6-a-side game at East Coast (big pitch). Where we play off the side walls/nets, the side wall/net cannot be used to shield the ball for any length of time. The ball should be brought away from the wall/net as soon as possible. While holding the net/ball to shield the ball is not allowed, touching the net/wall with one's hands to maintain balance is okay.
We continue to play off the overhead netting. However, if a ball goes in directly off the overhead netting, it is not a goal.
We can score from anywhere on the pitch. A team can score direct from a free kick, goal kick or kick in. There are no indirect free kicks in our game. A goalkeeper who catches the ball in play can throw it directly into the opposing goal. Of course, the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball outside the "D".
If a goal is scored or disallowed, we usually re-start with a goal kick, although those playing in the game may agree to start from the centre spot after a goal is scored.
When a free kick is taken, the opposing players must be at least 7 paces away for games on a big pitch and at least 5 places away for games on a small pitch.
If you use blades/studs, the onus is on you to exercise greater care not to accidentally catch other players with the blades/studs. The converse is that using astro shoes is not an excuse for being more careless or reckless in your tackling.
The following are not allowed during a game:
raising of foot above knee level.
tackle from behind
tackle where the sole of the shoe makes contact with an opposing player
body checks
shoulder charge
raising of elbow
outstretched arm
raising of knee when jumping
kicking or hacking a player.
tripping a player.
If significant contact is made with an opposing player by any of the above, it is a foul (even if the ball is won), with a free kick to the opposing side if committed outside the D and a penalty if committed inside the D. Any player who repeatedly commits such fouls will be suspended.
Reckless and dangerous play or striking or intentionally stamping on an opponent will result in suspension. Any player who intentionally commits or attempts to commit a foul or other act which risks causing injury to an opponent, or instigates or attempts to instigate another player to do will be suspended. This could include calling out to a team mate to commit such a foul on an opposing player.
More generally, committing a deliberate foul, or calling out to a team mate to commit a deliberate foul, clearly amounts to not playing in the right spirit. Likewise for all forms of gamesmanship, such as simulation or going down easily looking for a free kick or penalty, pressing excessively for a decision to go in favour of one's team, and calling out to an opponent to pass the ball to you in order to confuse the opponent.
As we play without a referee, if a player involved in a passage of play calls a foul, play it back to one of the goalkeepers until it is agreed that is is a foul. If it is disputed, the game continues from the goalkeeper who has possession of the ball. If necessary, the dispute can be resolved later on the message board. Don't just leave the ball for the opposing side and stop playing. Sometimes, they will continue and score.
The same applies to corners. If it is disputed that it is a corner, then it is a goal kick.
At first instance, the matter should be left to the players involved in the passage of play. Other players not involved in the passage of play can express an opinion, but don't press it. The final word is with the team selectors/captains. If there is no agreement, the game continues from the goalkeeper in possession of the ball.
When time is called, the game comes to an end when the ball goes dead. We do not play to "last goal", although those playing in the game may agree to do so.
Playing standards and abilities may vary. We try to take these into account in the proposed line ups. Everyone who plays is expected to have basic footballing ability. Everyone should make a reasonable effort and contribute to their best of their ability to the team they are playing for. The following are severely frowned on:
Remaining stationary near the opposing goal waiting for the ball. If you're tired, go in goal, or stay in defence.
Not chasing back when you lose possession of the ball. There is no place for prima donnas in our games.
Sometimes, words may be said to a player falling short of the basic standard which seem harsh. However, please no swearing or show of aggression towards your team mates or opponents.
Ultimately, we are each responsible for our own well-being and the well-being of those we play with. Safety is a priority.
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Oct 3, 2015 13:11:53 GMT 8
From the post above:
Oct 3, 2015 9:03:58 GMT 8 Rajiv said:
The regional PSI figures, available the above two websites.
Christian added on the group chat for today's game:
I dont get the number-watching. Lets do what Des suggested for last week and meet there 450pm. If we cant breathe we hit a pub nearby.
It was actually on the WhatsApp group chat for the game two weeks ago (Saturday, 19 September 2015), when Desmond said:
Can I suggest that we carry on and if at 5pm, the captains decide it's really unplayable, we can then go off for a happy hour? I'm happy to buy everyone a round.
As I operate the forum to provide broad parameters, or guidelines, for our games, I can modify the policy to give those playing more choice. However, I still need the numbers as reference points to trigger various considerations. I can modify the policy as follows:
If the PSI is persistently above 100 on the day of the game, anyone who doesn't want to play even if the 3-hour PSI is below 150 one hour before the game should withdraw 5 hours before the game, so that I have enough time to find a replacement. This includes players who don't want to wait until one hour before the game, and want to make other plans instead.
If the PSI is around or above 150 in the 5 hours before the game, anyone who doesn't want to play if the 3-hour PSI exceeds 150 should withdraw at least 2 hours before the game. If due to such withdrawals, there are insufficient players for the game to go on, the game will be cancelled.
If one hour before the game, the 3-hour PSI is between 175 and 200, I will leave it to the individual players whether they wish to go on. If enough players want to go on, the game can go on. Those who don't can drop out at that stage before the game starts. If there are insufficient players, the game will be cancelled in any event.
If the 3-hour PSI exceeds 200 in the hour before the game, I will suggest to the players that the game be cancelled. However, if enough players want to go on I will transfer the booking to the players themselves, to carry on the game as they think fit.
If despite the 3-hour PSI in the hour before the game being above 175, there are enough players who want to go on with the game, the players should consider the conditions at the venue before the game starts, and make a final decision then whether to go on. If they decide at that time to cancel, please let me know, so that I can cancel the booking.
There is nothing to stop players from meeting up for a drink, whether the game is cancelled earlier or later.
In deciding whether to go on at PSI levels above 150, players may wish to consider additional factors:
The PSI figures by the areas in Singapore (North, South, East West and Central), available on the above two websites.
Players are ultimately responsible for their own safety and well-being.
Last Edit: Oct 4, 2015 7:48:39 GMT 8 by Rajiv
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Oct 25, 2016 9:33:50 GMT 8
From the report thread for the game last night (Monday) at Macpherson:
Oct 24, 2016 23:31:11 GMT 8 Moritz said:
Erwin as Whites central striker then got a self-inflicted unlucky knee injury which ended his participation and kind of killed the match. Warm-up and stretching issue lah, or did you slip? Hope you get better soon!
The issue then was to get ice to cool down the injury as Erwin had a lot of pain and couldn't get up at first. The lady in the admin office didn't know anything about ice and had to walkietalkie her colleague who came after some minutes and got some half-frozen ice cubes for Erwin. Cooling injuries in the first minutes is crucial to prevent blood from entering the wound and thereby to shorten the healing duration often for several weeks.
Rajiv, pls comment how we can improve the first aid situation as this situation happens frequently.
I would hope that the management at each venue would have basic first aid equipment and materials. I can keep reminding them, but whether they do or not is outside my control.
From the "Safety, duty of care & disclaimer" of the "GIFFA System" thread:
This message board is facilitative, and I cannot be responsible for ... the condition of the venue or pitch our games are play at. .... For the condition of venues and pitches, I will raise the matter with those who own and operate the facility.
As for whether to ice or head a painful injury, an overview here.
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Rajiv Oct 28, 2016 16:29:01 GMT 8
Further on the report thread for the game on Monday (24 October 2016) at Macpherson:
Regarding injury treatment, unfortunately we've been facing issues to get ice at all three venues when we had to treat an injured player. I suggest that those players who bring a first aid kit incl. ice spray get a 1$ first aid credit if their stuff is being used during the match, to create incentives similar to the ball credit.
Not really the same. A ball is used in every game, and credit is only given for the ball that is used up to the end of the game. A first-aid kit might be used once a month at most, and then when it's actually needed, you might find no one has brought one. In the weeks it isn't used, how do you give credit? To everyone who brings one? What if all 14 people bring one? I can't be paying out $14 for every game played. And it's wasteful.
The onus really is on the management of the venue to provide first-aid equipment and materials. It's logical and practical. Players who play at a particular venue regularly should bring some pressure to bear on the management to do so. If they are deaf to the concerns of their users, I am prepared to raise the issue with the Singapore Sports Council.
Last Edit: Oct 28, 2016 16:29:35 GMT 8 by Rajiv
Safety, health & sustainability Posted by Moritz Oct 28, 2016 21:48:59 GMT 8
Post by Moritz on Oct 28, 2016 21:48:59 GMT 8
Agree it would be best if the venue provides first aid material centrally, and I will remind them in the coming weeks. Just keep my proposal in mind in case that doesn't work out, wouldn't be 14 majullahdollars each time but 1 € each time the kit has to be used so roughly once in three games.
Yaseen messaged me on Tuesday to say he was hit in the eye by the ball during the game last Sunday, and suffered internal bleeding in the right eye. He suggested that using size 5 balls instead of size 4 balls for the 8-a-side at Grandstand would reduce the risk.
The risk of eye injury was addressed in greater detail on the old FIOFAFI blog. As posted by Look Liew:
I got hit in the eye from a ricochet shot in a game at The Cage 10 weeks back, and had to go to SGH A&E, and in summary was 30% blinded for about 6-7 days and eventually regained full recovery after another 3 days ( result of more the dilating eye drops used). Thankfully, there was no permanent damage.
Anywys, that started my search for protective eyewear, similar to those worn by Edgar Davies of Holland and Kareem Abdul Jaber of LA Lakers ( for those old enuf to remember)……..no-one really had those I wanted but there are suppliers in the US. The special feature about these goggles are they are specially made for sports and use poly-carbonate glass, whose features include 'shattering in large pieces'. ( KINDLY check out qualities yourselves plse)
The good news was that I stumbled across an optician who just shipped in these goggles from Italy 2 weeks back and ordered my pair yesterday. Shop is Optics 2000 at Wisma Atria #02-06-08 Tel : 6738 9976. look for Chester Ng, he's senior there and gives better service /advice than the younger folks there.
Sharing with folks who like to goal-keep, or to prevent that freak accident that may hurt your eyes.
Cost : S$ 150 for a apair and about S$ 180 onwards for powered lenses, which I got. Powered lenses will also be poly-carbonate material.
As discussed on the "Game kit & equipment" thread, there are four different types of balls that may be used in our games.
Standard size 5 ball.
Reduced bounce size 5 ball.
Reduced bounce balls are used in futsal. The reduced bounce (and heavier weight) makes the ball easier to control within a confined space. Smaller balls are also easier to control. The standard size 5 ball is used in 11 a side, and works better where passes are longer. However, the standard size 4 ball is often regarded as a ball for children. The choice of ball for each game is left to team selectors/captains.
The reduced bounce balls tend to be heavier than the standard ball of equivalent size. As also discussed on the "Game kit & equipment" thread, with heavier futsal balls, "the impact on ankles, knees, hips and wrists from shooting and saving, and the consequential risk of injury" is marginally greater.
As stated in the "Game Rules", "As each of our games is played in a confined space, with a much higher player to playing area ratio than 11-a-side football, the risk of the ball deflecting or ricocheting off other players or other parts of the body ... is high". This is more so for the 8-a-side at Grandstand on Saturdays and Sundays. The players who play these games tend to be older and more static, preferring the higher player to playing area ratio as it means less running and more positional play and passing. Players who don't play in that style may not fit in and even run a higher risk of injury.
I have considered limiting the Grandstand games to 7-a-side, but the poll is in favour of keeping it at 8-a-side, and some players (Kien and Raj in particular) indicate they only want to play 8-a-side, which makes it difficult to reduce the maximum number to 14.
To conclude, a reminder from the "Safety, duty of care & disclaimer" section of the GIFFA System thread:
Last Edit: Oct 6, 2018 16:10:06 GMT 8 by Rajiv