FIFA okays religious head covers for soccer players

[rug]

International rule-making body for soccer lifts ban on kippot, hijab, turbans, after 2-year trial period.

By REUTERS, JTA
03/01/2014 17:16

The international rule-making body for soccer approved on Saturday provisions allowing male and female players to wear head covers for religious purposes during matches.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) - an umbrella organization of British soccer associations, alongside FIFA, that determines the game's rule - sanctioned the official use of headwear for women, after a two-year trial period, as well as for men.

FIFA ratified the use of head scarves for women, a measure which had been provisionally approved in July 2012 mainly so that women Muslim players could use the hijab.

"We had a request from the Sikh community to play with headgear and to avoid discrimination against men, it was decided that what applied to women can apply to men," said FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.

http://www.jpost.com/Sports/FIFA-okays-religious-head-covers-for-soccer-players-343926

[Cartoonist]

1. FIFA okays religious BS

There have been a number of posts lately concerning religion that I've started to respond to but then deleted my draft. I figured a jury would be convened and my post removed under the ruling against religious intolerance. Can I help it if I believe religion to be the driving force of evil in the world? No one can top Christianity for its record of genocide, but I'm supposed to show it respect because they sometimes serve free soup to the poor.

So what does this rant have to do with FIFA? One thing religions do is to require their believers to dress in a certain way. One popular way to enforce conformity is headgear. It instantly and visibly marks somebody as either US or THEM. That is the sole reason for such rules. Do you really think God, if there is one, gives a hoot what you put on your head? Does the way into heaven split along millinery lines?

So what do I think FIFA should do? It doesn't matter, because I recognize FIFA's right to make their own decisions. What I believe should happen is that this issue, which has come to the fore in many institutions, needs to have a discussion addressing the very issue of intolerance it embodies. Intolerance, not by the people banning such headgear, but by the people insisting on it.

-
Please respect my right to an opinion. If you are personally offended by what I have said, nothing personal is intended. My objection is to religion, not you.

[hrmjustin]

2. Well some people do think God cares what they put on their heads.

BTW Christianity nor any other faiths did not commit genocide. Christians and other people of faith and non faith have c ommited these crimes.

[Cartoonist]

3. No difference.

Not when they wave their Bible as justification, or have their leaders direct their crimes.

[hrmjustin]

4. Not all believers are bible wavers.

[Cartoonist]

5. My objection

You misunderstand my objection. I have no problem with "good believers". The trappings of religion effect people in different ways. I am glad to hear that you have not been driven to insanity by religion. Unfortunately, this is not true of many others. I object to the idea that the crimes of religion should be forgiven because some religious people are OK.
-

I used to live on Staten Island. It was the summer of '72. Great memories. Good luck to Recchia

[hrmjustin]

6. Well we shoukd never forget the mistakes, sins, and crimes that has been commited in the name of

religion.

Yes I hope Recchia wins. I live in the Brooklyn part of the district.