Question Number: 28054

Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/9/2013

RE: High School

Scott of Livermore, CA USA asks...

What are the rules for winter clothing while playing?
Warm hats?
Ear covers?
Gloves?
Long sleeve shirt under your jersey?
Tights/sweats under your shorts and socks?

Do colors matter?

Does it matter if it is high school versus club versus rec?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

High school rules have a few differences from the laws of the game.
Tights and undershirts are allowed in both, but for high school the top or bottom can be any color so long as everyone on the team wears the same color. Under the laws of the game, they must be the same predominant color as the shirt sleeve (undershirt) or as the short (compression shorts/tights). Note: high school home team must wear white jerseys, but the 'all the same' rule would allow a red long sleeve undershirt so long as everyone is in red. Because the all white jersey is a new rule, however, I would anticipate that referees will get confused and require all white undershirts. (Bring white ones to home games to be safe.)

Gloves, ear covers and soft hats are generally permitted in both, so long as the referee judges them to be safe. Some areas have local rules regarding caps or colors, particularly where there are concerns involving gang colors.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
As Referee Wickham alludes to there are differences between NFHS Rules and FIFA Laws of the Game.
FIFA Law 4 Players' Equipment and NFHS Rule 4 differ on under apparel.
In High School games if visible apparel is worn under the jersey and/or shorts, it must be of a similar length, all alike and of a solid color. I would also expect that the undershirt must not clash with the opponents' jersey colour which would pose a problem with short sleeves.
FIFA require that the under apparel must be the same colour as the dominant colour in the jersey or the shorts. So if its a white jersey and shorts it must be white garments under them.
In addition a referee would not allow a white undershirt under a short sleeve jersey while playing opponents with white jerseys. The reason is to assist with identifying raised arms in challenges, deliberate handling, etc.
As regards hats, gloves, ear covers these are generally permitted as they do not pose any safety risk to opponents. Colour is not important provided they are worn for protection purposes only. The referee is the judge of that.