Question Number: 17690

Law 4 - Players Equipment 11/5/2007

RE: rec Under 9

Tim Turner of Folsom, CA USA asks...

Is there a requirement for children to wear there shingaurds under there socks?or does it matter whether they are worn under or over

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 4 offers this for players equipment:

Shinguards:

are covered entirely by the stockings

are made of a suitable material ( rubber, plastic, or similar, substances)

provide a reasonable degree of protection.

Kindly note the Law does not differentiate between youth and adult players, amateur or professional players; it just states the requirements for shinguards. So your child must wear his shinguards in such a manner that covers them entirely. Not doing so will force the referee to prevent his entering the field of play or if he enters and his shinguards become uncovered ask him to see they are covered. If the child does not comply with the referee's request they be covered after being asked the referee may caution the player for unsporting behavior and ask him to leave the field and correct his equipment. He is not replaced by a substitute during his absence. He may only return to the field at a stoppage and after the referee has inspected his equipment.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Shin Guards must be completely covered by the stockings. So please make sure he wears them under the sock.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Yes, there is a requirement that the shinguards be worn under the socks. There is no requirement on what is under the shinguard. Some folks wear another pair of light weight socks under the shinguard, or they now sell a type of footless hose for that purpose.