Question Number: 16879

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/24/2007

RE: All Levels

Larry Svetich of Sacramento, California USA asks...

During a brief discussion the other day, the question was asked, "When were shinguards 'officially' added as part of the 'required' equipment and what was the reason for their required usage?" Can you all elaborate. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Sure Larry we can elaborate on this one. Shinguards became a requirement in July 1990 because AIDS had become a world wide problem. Shinguards provide more protection to the shin than does a woolen stocking. I know this because I didn't wear shinguards when I played after age 13. The knocks didn't bother me until I showered after the match, something about salt from perspiration and soap in open wounds. This was a bother but once the bleeding stopped and scabs formed the soap didn't hurt any more. Imagine what a bunch of guys running about with open wounds splashing blood all over was like when you could die from an exchange of bodily fluids. FIFA said we can put a stop to that and did. Right up until players poo-pooed the Law and decided a 3 inch shinguard provided reasonable protection and the referee didn't care. Not only that but a small book would suffice and the Law book was about the right size.

There is a reason for shinguards, you can die from communicable disease passed from one player to another through the exchange of blood. Sort of takes the fun out of kicking the crap out of each other, don't you say???

Regards, C.