The Players’ Equipment Law 4 The Players’ Equipment

Objectives At the end of this lesson the student will do both of the following: list the basic and acceptable equipment that can be used by a player state the penalty for infringements of Law 4

Shirt or jersey with sleeves, same color as teammates COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT Shorts, same color as teammates *(can be different color than shirt) Socks or stockings, same as teammates *(must cover shinguards) Shinguards Shoes or footwear

Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment Goalkeepers caps are not included in the list of restricted head covers Players are not permitted to wear/use any electronic or communications equipment, except electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) – it must be safe

Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment The use of electronic equipment is permitted where it relates directly to player welfare or safety or coaching tactics. All items of jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewelry is not permitted. ONLY EXCEPTION: Medical Alert Bracelets may be worn and taped

EQUIPMENT INSPECTION Referee shall inspect players’ equipment prior to match. Referee shall prevent players with dangerous equipment from playing

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS Players’ equipment shall not be dangerous to themselves or any other player (including any kind of jewelry.) This is your opinion and is final without question. Note: This does not mean you have the right to set a different standard from the world. Manufacturers check products with authorities before marketing them.

SHINGUARDS Covered entirely by stockings Made of suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substance) Provide a reasonable degree of protection

FOOTWEAR Safety !!! If it looks like a soccer shoe - it is probably OK – 1 of these isn’t ! Check cleats for sharp edges or plastic casings in danger of cracking off and leaving exposed screws.

CASTS Are allowed unless in your opinion the cast is dangerous.

GOALKEEPER EQUIPMENT Goalkeepers shall wear colors different from: All other players Referee

LOCAL RULES AND MODIFICATIONS Check with your USSF Assignor ! Normally, if colors conflict, the home team changes jerseys Some leagues specify jersey colors Home will wear a specific color Away will wear another color

UNDER SHIRTS Allowed if same color as predominate color of shirt or jersey.

UNDER SHORTS Allowed if same color as predominate color of shorts

PENALTY FOR INCORRECT OR ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT Player is asked to correct the equipment If not corrected by next stoppage, player must leave the field. Must wait for Referee’s permission before re-entering the field. Referee must be certain the problem has been corrected.

Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment Player can return during play after changing / correcting equipment, once equipment has been checked (by referee, 4th official, or AR) and referee signals

REVIEW 5 S’s - Compulsory equipment Shirt or jersey, tucked in Shorts, sliding shorts same color Shinguards, 3 requirements? Covered by stockings Made of suitable material Provide reasonable degree of protection Stockings Shoes What type of equipment is Never Allowed? Dangerous equipment

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE? Headwear Tobacco products Alcoholic beverage Jewelry Jersey not tucked in Numbers don’t match Thermal shorts color No shin guards Socks not same color Dangerous footwear