Question Number: 16165

League Specific 7/30/2007

RE: High School

Roxann of Alma, MIchigan usa asks...

In Michigan high school soccer I am being told we need a specific type of shin guards with some type of intials of approval on them.
Does anyone know what this is?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Yes. You're supposed to purchase shin guards with the NOCSAE lable and the appropriate matching height requirement label. However, that rule change was suspended one year (meaning it doesn't take effect until the 2008-2009 school year). The reason for the delay was that shin guard manufacturing has been slow with the required label. They wanted to give another year for better saturation in the market.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ref Montanino is too kind with his comments. Shinguard manufacturers haven't jumped to comply with the NFHS rule because they didn't see high school teams as a big enough market to justify the work of certifying their products to meet the NFHS requirements. Most of the products out there are compliant; the manufacturers just haven't certified that compliance.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

What you are being told is correct. It's just another reason why many referees wonder why there are three sets of Laws/rules that apply to The Game in America.

Do the best you can, get your son or daughter shinguards that cover from 2" above the inside ankle bone to 2" below the knee. While some leagues may not allow them there is the chance the referee will act in a sensible manner and allow a shinguard, without the addition of a little extra printing, to be worn; especially if it's properly sized and provides the necessary protection.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Apparently there is!