5.3.* Form the shape of a drop over your head using both hands – and you’ve created the ‘period out’ hand signal. By using it, a female football player can signal to the referee that she needs to leave the pitch due to her period. No interruptions needed; the play continues as usual. With the referee’s approval, the player can re-join the game. Only if a goalkeeper shows the ‘period out’ hand signal, the game is paused briefly.

Currently, there is no official regulation on this matter by any football association. And that needs to change!

*5.3. is the section on page 71 of the official IFAB Laws of the Game where the new menstruation rule for women should be added. There is already a rule that says the following: ...ensures that any player bleeding leaves the field of play. The player may only re-enter on receiving a signal from the referee, who must be satisfied that the bleeding has stopped and there is no blood on the equipment. The menstruation rule should be treated in the same way as this rule.