Question Number: 15108

Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/2/2007

RE: competitive Under 17

lauren of laporte, indiana usa asks...

do the socks go outside or under the shinguards in soccer?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Lauren,
LAW 4 Players Equipment states it plain

Shinguards
-are covered entirely by the stockings;
-are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substances);
-provide a reasonable degree of protection.

They must cover the stocking however there are some very long socks that can be worn under then pulled down over top the lip ofthe shinguards back down towards the shoes. Best to fasten with a velcro strip or tape around the ankle as no part of the shin guard is to be exposed if that method is used! It is STILL in the opinion of the referee if the shinguards qualify to meet safety standards
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Skin, (possibly a sock or some kind of neoprene non slip sleeve or something), shinguard, sock then shoe/boot. That is the order of "appearance" if you will.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Law 3 states that the shin guards MUST be covered by socks. Thus the socks belong over the shin guards.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is a simple safety issue. Unless the stocking cover the shinguard entirely there exists the possibility it will fall out. This exposes the player to an unnecessary risk of injury.

That said Lauren, some referees don't ensure the shinguard is worn in this fashion. They make the job the rest of us do all the harder. Ever hear, "Aw ref, last week he let us wear it this way".

Regards,