LAW 4 THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

5 TOPICS 1. Required equipment (uniform) 2. Non-dangerous equipment 3. Uniforms / Colors 4. Violations 5. Local Rules

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT 2. Shorts, same color as teammates * (can be different color than shirt; must be a separate garment from the Shirt ) 5. Shoes or footwear 1. Shirt or jersey with sleeves, same color as teammates 3. Shinguards 4. Socks or stockings, same as teammates * (must cover shinguards)

EQUIPMENT INSPECTION Inspect equipment of every player and substitute prior to match Do not allow a player to play if wearing something illegal You can request the help of the assistant referees in doing this And don’t forget about late-arriving players

EQUIPMENT INSPECTION When you blow the whistle to start play, you are promising that every item players are wearing is safe!

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. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS v Players’ equipment shall not be dangerous to themselves or any other player (including any kind of jewelry.) v This is your opinion and is final without question. Covering the ear stud with tape DOESN’T SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

SHINGUARDS v Covered entirely by socks v Made of suitable material (rubber, plastic, or similar substance) v Provide a reasonable degree of protection “covered by socks” means “worn under the socks” Generally means “not too small” (“too small” = made for U10 but worn by U19)

FOOTWEAR v Safety !!! v If it looks like a soccer shoe - it is probably OK – 1 of these isn’t ! v Check cleats for sharp edges or plastic casings in danger of cracking off and leaving exposed screws. If it doesn’t look like a soccer shoe (e.g., tennis shoes), it may STILL be OK – “not a good idea” is not the same as “dangerous”

Are allowed unless in your opinion the cast is dangerous. CASTS Remember – Something that is legal to start the match can become ILLEGAL during the match or can be used illegally Always check local rules about casts!

GOALKEEPER EQUIPMENT Goalkeepers wear (jersey) colors different from: v All other players v Referee team

Allowed if same color as the main color of shorts SLIDING SHORTS (Also applies to undershirt sleeves)

LOCAL RULES AND MODIFICATIONS v Check with your Assignor! v Many leagues/tournaments prohibit casts of any sort or metal cleats v Normally, if colors conflict, the home team changes jerseys v Many leagues have very specific rules about such things as numbers and sock colors v Some leagues specify jersey colors u Home will wear a specific color (e.g., light) u Away will wear another color (e.g., dark)

ACTION TO TAKE FOR INCORRECT OR ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT v Player is asked to correct the equipment v If not corrected by next stoppage, player must leave the field v Must wait for your permission before re- entering the field v You must be certain the problem has been corrected v Can have AR inspect the equipment

ACTION TO TAKE FOR INCORRECT OR ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT v Player is asked to correct the equipment v If not corrected by next stoppage, player must leave the field v Must wait for you permission before re- entering the field v You must be certain the problem has been corrected v Can have AR inspect the equipment If problem is discovered before the match starts (or before player enters field), simply inform player that they may not play unless problem is corrected

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 Also, no kneecaps! Which of these is illegal under Law 4?

REVIEW v 5 Ss - Compulsory equipment u Shirt or jersey, tucked in u Shorts, sliders (under shorts) same color u Shinguards, 3 requirements? Covered by stockings Made of suitable material Provide reasonable degree of protection u Stockings u Shoes v What type of equipment is never allowed? u Dangerous equipment (jewelry!)