Question Number: 16292

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/13/2007

RE: rec High School

rick albertie of muskegon, mi usa asks...

Is there a ruling for the size of the shinguard for Fall 2008 soccer at high school level ?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As I understand it, NFHS has suspended the shinguard rule from Fall 2007 to Fall 2008. The major shinguard manufacturers had not gotten the certification required by NFHS for shinguards. This didn't mean their shinguards were unacceptable, merely that they didn't choose to go through the bother of getting the certification. Part of that certification is that each shinguard will be stamped with the height of the player it is suitable for.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Last year the shinguards were size appropriate and started two inches above the ankle. There was the note indicating as of 2007 they also had to meed National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment [NOCSAE] specifications. These are the changes to NFHS Rule 4 for the 0708 season:

4-1-1 Beginning with the fall 2008 season, shinguards must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications.

4-3 Each head coach shall be responsible for ensuring that each of his/her players is properly equipped.

Add Penalty: An improperly equipped player shall be instructed to leave the field of play when the ball next ceases to be in play. The head coach shall be cautioned (yellow card) for improperly equipped players.

When one thinks of the total number of shinguards manufactured world-wide one can understand why some touchy-feely USA high school edict is ignored. The addition of extra printing to an item does not change the way it performs and just adds expense to the manufacturing process. It is application of the same logic that allows a player sent-off for a second caution in the same match to be replaced or cautioning a coach because one of his players was too dense to wear his uniform correctly.

Regards,