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MONTREAL -- When Mukhbir Singhs soccer team won the league championship this past winter, he was on the sidelines -- barred from the pitch last November because he wears a turban. Singh, a 25-year-old Montrealer, has been coaching instead of playing for his recreational league team ever since. "My teammates are very supportive and wanted me to be a part of the team anyway," he said. Singh will have to wait at least a little while longer to get back on the field. The Quebec Soccer Federation announced Sunday its board of directors has decided to keep a ban on turbans. Quebec referees began cracking down on turbans, patkas and keskis -- the religious headgear worn by Sikh men and boys -- in the last year. The latest move comes despite a directive from the Canadian Soccer Association in April calling for provincial associations to allow them. In a statement Sunday, the Quebec federation cited safety concerns and said its decision to keep the ban is in line with the international soccer organization FIFA. The federation said it would lift the ban immediately if FIFA does. For now, Quebec referees who dont apply the rule could face penalties of their own. Balpreet Singh, a spokesman for the World Sikh Organization of Canada, said Quebec is the only province where Sikh soccer players have faced problems because they wear a turban. Singh argues FIFAs position on turbans and other headwear is beside the point. He said FIFA is responsible for major international tournaments, while the Quebec Soccer Federation oversees recreational leagues. "Were talking about kids having fun," Singh said. The organization is exploring its options and is considering taking legal action, he said. Its not first time religious headgear on the soccer field has been the source of controversy in the province. Quebec, which has been the site of heated debate over "reasonable accommodation" of minorities, banned a teen in 2011 from working as a soccer referee while wearing a hijab. The statement from the Quebec Soccer Federation noted that girls are now permitted to wear headscarves on the field in Quebec, following a directive from FIFA in 2012. Mukhbir Singh, who is also a member of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, said hes optimistic hell eventually be able to return to the pitch. He said hes more concerned about how the ruling will impact young Sikhs. "If this gets extended to three or four years, to be honest Im worried about the long-term effects this will have on the children," he said, estimating that 100 and 200 soccer players are affected by the ruling. "Im worried what theyll make of their own Sikh identity after facing these types of issues."Wholesale Authentic Nike Shoes UK Online . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. 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Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot.LOS ANGELES -- By almost any measure, the Rams return to Los Angeles appears to be going splendidly.The players and coaches are fully settled in Southern California. The franchises infrastructure is replanting its roots in the community. A palatial new stadium is preparing to rise in Inglewood.Except now its time to see how these Los Angeles Rams measure up in the standings -- and thats where the St. Louis edition of this franchise was a failure for the past decade.The Rams open training camp next week in Orange County with cautious optimism they can end their 11-year playoff drought in front of their next generation of LA fans. Even late-season contention for a postseason berth would be an enormous boost for a team that did almost nothing to inspire passion over its final dozen years in Missouri.We know our goal has to be playoffs, defensive lineman Aaron Donald said. Were thinking about that every day. Thats what you want to do for the fans. We dont want to wait.The Rams hopes are built around a revitalization of the NFLs worst offense last season. Theyre placing an enormous bet on the developing talents of No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff at quarterback and budding star Todd Gurley at running back.Coach Jeff Fisher kept his job after four straight losing seasons in part because of his experience in moving an NFL franchise, but he also realizes the urgency created by the Rams move and their big trade to acquire Goff.I feel like were in a good spot, Fisher said. Considering everything that weve gone through, I feel like weve accomplished a great deal.Here are five things to know about the Rams homecoming season in Southern California:HES NO. 1: While Gurley is the Rams highest-profile star, all eyes will be on Goff. Rams general manager Les Snead mortgaged a portion of their future to get the California quarterback, deciding they could wait no longer to address the sputtering offenses most glaring need. Fisher initially said he hoped Goff would start the season opener, but has de-emphasized that aspiration lately. Whether its Week 1 or Week 10, Goff will be the Rams starter at some point, and his ability to adjust to the pro game could play a major role in determining whether the Rams can contend.ddddddddddddMAN IN THE MIDDLE: Alec Ogletree is another key to the Rams hopes after they cut linebacker James Laurinaitis, the leading tackler in franchise history. His replacement is Ogletree, the former weakside `backer now calling the defensive signals. Hell also have to show Laurinaitis nose for the ball if the Rams dont want to take a step back on defense.SECONDARY CONCERNS: The Rams waved goodbye to cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who signed a lavish free-agent deal with the Giants, and safety Rodney McLeod. Although they signed Coty Sensabaugh, theyll try to fill the vacancies in their secondary from within. E.J. Gaines seems likely to replace Jenkins on the corner opposite Trumaine Johnson, while Lamarcus Joyner should see more time in the slot.HOME SWEET HOME?: Until owner Stan Kroenke finishes his billion-dollar stadium complex, the Rams will play at the gently dilapidated Coliseum, the home of the first Super Bowl and two Olympics. Its also still the home of the USC Trojans. The Rams have two back-to-back home dates with the college powerhouse, ensuring theyll play on chewed-up turf. The Rams schedule is tilted to put only two home games before November, along with three more after the Trojans season ends. Theyll only play seven regular-season home games in total, thanks to their trip to London in October. Their preseason home opener is Aug. 13, but the homecoming really begins Sept. 18 when former USC coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks visit.TEMPORARY BASE: The Rams will spend about a month in their training camp facilities at UC Irvine. Their new in-season training complex in Thousand Oaks, where most players are already living, wont be ready until shortly before the regular season. The Rams first season back home clearly requires everybody to navigate upheaval, but its too soon to tell whether the players preparation will be bothered by these frequent shifts around the Southland.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '