Question Number: 16798

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/19/2007

RE: competitive High School

mark lawton of portland , or usa asks...

There is a lot of information on the web stating that beginning with the 2008 soccer season, players will have to have noscae approved shin guards. In the meantime, the rule reads players must be properly equipped (or else the coach gets a yellow card). What criteria makes a shin guard considered properly equipped?

-mark

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The coach get a yellow card thing is likely from the profund thinkers of HS soccer of a coach being held accountable for what was the referee responsibility. Now I like that a coach is held accountable for ensuring his players follow the laws of the game but with regards to removing jewlery and ensuring a proper outfit to play, seriously to show a card to a non player for something the players have some responsibility to manage as a normal functional human beings is sort of flawed in its logic?
The only criteria I am aware is in the opinion of the referee but I sense there will be a ruler measurement from the kneecap to the top of the shinguard in the upcoming furture. So a tape measure as well as whistle int he referee gear box! ;o( I am kidding at least I hope I am? Cheers
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Shinguards must be size and age appropriate. A player who's shinguards are not size and age appropriate should not be allowed to play in the first place. If they do then and only then is the coach to be cautioned. However, if the referee observes the player has illegal equipment on before starting the game or allowing them to sub in the game, then simply order them off the field or do not permit them to enter - no caution would be necessary.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The information on the web is correct, as it stands today. This was supposed to begin this year but manufactures didn't print the stuff on their products.

US high school has made the coach responsible for his player's uniforms. When you don't see to that US high school rules require the referee to caution you. Yes, it is probably because referees did not have the courage to deal with uniform issues before the match. Yes, those same referees won't have the courage to deal with you in accordance with the rule. Yes, they will still be assigned to games.

Shin guards now must provide adequate and reasonable protection, be professionally manufactured, age- and size-appropriate, not altered to decrease protection, worn under the stockings, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. Next year they are than and need to be approved by that alphabet group. Rule 4 then illustrates where the shinguard to be worn in four diagrams. The fix is see to your player's uniforms and don't worry because nothing will happen if you do. Don't see to the problem and face the possibility of being disqualified because one of your players is just too hard headed to do as the rule requires. Even I can make that choice, and I'm a referee...

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16826