Question Number: 25819

Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/6/2011

RE: Club, High School Under 17

Trevor of Mission Viejo, CA USA asks...

Is it legal to wear soft round boots in california during high school games?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Trevor
Not sure what you mean by 'soft round boots' or the reason you pose the question.
NFHS does not perform scientific tests on any specific items of equipment to determine if the equipment poses undue risks to student-athletes, coaches, officials or spectators. Such determinations are the responsibility of equipment manufacturers. In the case of shoes as long as they do not pose a danger to the player or opponents the referee will allow them. Shoes such as baseball cleats and track shoes do pose a risk and they would not be legal.
In general anything outside the 'norm' may be questioned by the referee as to their safety whereas regular soccer shoes are never questioned.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

High school rules generally permit any type of shoe, as long as the referee deems them to be safe. But, things worn simply for adornment are not permitted.

In some parts of the world 'boot' is another word for cleat. But, that's not a common usage in Southern California (where the fields are usually hard, not muddy) and most things with studs are called cleats. If 'soft round boots' refers to something worn over a regular shoes, they might be considered an adornment.

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