period out - New hand signal for menstruation

If a football player signals with the “period out” hand signal that she has to go to the toilet due to her period, she may leave the pitch. The game continues without interruption. The player returns to the pitch at the signal of the referee. If a goalkeeper gives the “period out” signal, the game is briefly interrupted. There is currently no official regulation on this by a football association.

Background

The history of women's football is characterized by a long struggle against patriarchal structures. For decades, women were banned from playing football. Even after this ban was lifted, many hurdles remained: To this day, women's football often receives less attention, poorer financial support and less infrastructural support than men's football.

Menstruation is a challenge that receives particularly little attention. Unlike training schedules or competition dates, menstruation cannot be controlled - it can start at any time, even during a match. Players don't know exactly when their period will start or how heavy it will be. This uncertainty can create additional pressure, which is exacerbated by the intense physical demands of a football match. When period products are pushed to their limits, this can have a significant impact on players' wellbeing and performance. Despite its relevance to millions of female players worldwide, this issue is rarely addressed openly in football.

One example of progress in this regard is the England national football team's decision to stop wearing white shorts - a change prompted by input from players such as Beth Mead. They emphasized that white sportswear causes discomfort during menstruation. However, even though such measures are an important step, they do not solve the core problem: menstruation remains an everyday challenge that has not yet been incorporated into the rules of football. 

This is where the Period Out hand signal comes in. This deliberately visible signal enables players to draw attention to their needs during a match and make the often taboo subject of menstruation visible. It is a step towards more openness and understanding in football - for professionals as well as for the many women and girls who play this sport with passion.

Women in football not only deserve equal rights and recognition, but also solutions that focus on their specific needs. It is time to make football a truly fair and accessible sport for all.

More information about the project and the initiative:
https://periodout.com