Question Number: 17605

Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/31/2007

RE: high school Under 17

chris leger of escondido, california united states asks...

for California soccer, in the rules, i was wondering if there are any rules regarding equipment, such as: cleats, shinguards, actual cleat bottoms...

i know there are certain rules about height of shinguards and no front spike on cleats but what about size of cleat like no longer then an inch or the tip of the actual spike...

if you could answer this for me it would be greatly appreciated thank you

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Chris,
the referee must consider them safe per law 4 and local league policy may actually state restrictions that those playing need to read to know.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

High school (NFHS) is implementing rules that shinguards have to display a logo certifying compliance with a standard, and must state the height of player for which the shinguard is allowed. This regulation had to be delayed for a year because not enough shinguard manufacturers jumped at NFHS's command to comply with the certification procedures.

Leagues may have specifics about length or shape of cleats. Others may ban metal spikes. Absent that, just go by a simple rule of thumb. If a reputable manufacturer sells the shoe as a soccer shoe (not a baseball, football or golf shoe), then it is legal. No manufacturer is going to invest in producing a line of equipment that cannot be used.

Of course spikes must not be sharp.