I take part in quite a lot of sport - soccer, cricket, swimming, running - and, whenever I train or play formally, I always remove my earring. Looking around, on the pitch, pool, in the gym, etc. there seems to be loads of guys that don't bother taking theirs out with no ill effects. The big names like Beckham and Flintoff also wear their earrings whilst playing competitively without apparent penalty.

Do you think it's acceptable to keep it in or are you aware of any horror stories? Note also we are talking about a small gold or diamond stud here - not some big, dangly ring.

Thanks