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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

Safety, Not Religion

Regarding 'Soccer Ref Benches Girl For Scarf' (Metro, Oct. 14):

I agree completely with the decision by the center referee, Steve Richardson. This is not a case of a 'player gaining an advantage,' nor is it politics. It's ultimately about the rules and safety. The referees' primary responsibility in any match is the safety of all players.

As a referee, I would have made the same decision as Richardson. A scarf wrapped around the head and neck of a player is dangerous to the player and others and a violation of the uniform rules. Soccer is a contact sport. Often, parts of the uniform are grabbed and pulled, unintentionally, of course. A player wearing a scarf adds to the possibility of being injured. Per United States Soccer Federation rules, at the beginning of a match all players are instructed to remove any type of bracelet, necklace, earrings, etc. (sometimes articles of faith) or anything else considered by the referee to be dangerous, to preclude injury to themselves or others. All players must abide by the decision.

This is not an incident about politics, faith or race - it's about the rules and safety, period. Miss Khalil could have easily played soccer that day like everyone else if she had heeded the referee's decision.

A. BANKS

Tampa

A Matter Of Choice
Not all jihad looks like killing. Sometimes it looks like a little girl and her mother crying because they want rules changed to accommodate them.

The United States is about freedom and choice. The girl is not required to play soccer, and rules should not change for whatever custom Muslims seek to undermine each week. I recall wearing the veil isn't required half the time, depending on the personal desire to get people accustomed to Sharia law before Muslims seek to enforce it.

I support Steve Richardson for not bending to intimidation and standing up for Western culture and rule of law. It's a rare thing in this day and age.

BRUCE SHAW

Clearwater

Commends Referee

I want to salute and commend the soccer referee who benched the girl in Palm Harbor. He did the right thing despite the parents' apparent desire for more 'political correctness.'

Frankly, the girl 'said it all' when she explained to the referee that 'this isn't headgear or anything. It's part of the faith.' So, what's next? The soccer association provides foot baths and prayer rugs?

We welcome people from other countries to become American citizens. We also expect them to accept - fully - the American way of life. That does not include wearing a scarf to play soccer.

WAYNE DOZARK

Tampa

Immigrants Must Adapt

What has happened to conformity in exchange for freedoms? Ethnic or religious icons in homes, places of worship or general outings are great and honored for more than 200 years. If someone doesn't want to confirm to public school uniforms and rules, they can go to private school at private expense.

This is just one of the more visible refusals by immigrants from all over the world to fit in. If it's better where they were, the travel routes run in both directions.

Our ancestors fought hard and long for the freedoms we have; honor that by learning to live in the United States of America, including 'under God' and 'in God we trust.' Define God any way you so choose, and let the rest of us do the same.

LIZ STALVEY

Dade City

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