Question Number: 35782

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 10/28/2024

RE: AYSO 14 - 19 Other

Paul Lauer of Palmdale, CA USA asks...

Laws of the Game 2024/25 | Law 4 | The Players’ Equipment
2. Compulsory equipment
Shin Guards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shin guards

How much authority does the referee have in Enforcing this Law?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Paul
A referee has full authority to enforce this Law.
I am aware of a referee who recently would not allow an underage player to play with those tiny micro shin pads.

Sometimes it is like asking how long is a piece of string in sizing yet the pads have to offer reasonable protection.

I am aware of one club banning players from wearing these micro pads after a underage player got his leg broke in a challenge. The player apparently changed the pads at half time unknown to his coach and parent.

So essentially a referee can make a decision to allow or not. On the day there is no other arbitrator other than the referee assigned to the game and while a team or a player might not like it the referee’s decision is binding. A referee may hear * the referee last week had no problem* to which I answer * Its my call today not last weeks referee*

The final sentence is in my opinion to afford support to a referee in whatever decision is made.

Answer provided by Referee Joe Manjone

Hi Paul,

In the event you work high school games, the rule on shin guards is much more inclusive. NFHS Rule 4-1-5 states: Shin Guards shall:
a. Provide adequate and reasonable protection
b. Be professionally manufactured, age and size appropriate
c. Not be altered to decrease protection
d. Be worn under the socks, and worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle (see the illustrations on page 24 of the NFHS 2024-25 Soccer Rules book)
e. Meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) standards at the time of manufacture. The NOCSAE mark and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of each shin guard.

When working a high school game or game utilizing high school rules, an informal inspection of players equipment should be made prior to the game. Shin guards not meeting the required standards are usually easy to notice.

If illegal shin guards are found before the game begins, the player should be made to procure and wear legal shin guards. If an illegal shin guard is found on a player during the game, as indicated in NFHS Rule 4-4, the coach is to be caution if it is the first equipment offense. If it is not the first offense, the player is to be caution. In either case, the player must leave the game, and cannot re-enter until he/she is wearing legal shin guards.

I see the 2024-25 high school soccer will be starting soon in Palmdale. Hopefully, this information will assist you and you will have successful boys and girls high school seasons.