The Players’ Equipment (4) U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 9 Referee Course Small Sided and Recreational Youth Training

Requirements “5 S” All players – including Goalkeeper o Shoes o Shin guards o Socks o Shorts (GK-pants) o Shirt (different color for GK) o All must be SAFE

Safe Shoes “Safe” means doesn’t endanger other players Tactical advantage is irrelevant (i.e. slippery) AcceptableNot Acceptable Soccer cleats (Metal studs OK if not sharp/damaged) Baseball cleats TurfsGolf shoes SneakersFootball cleats Bedroom slippersHigh heels

Other Considerations o Socks cover the shinguards o Shinguards offer reasonable protection o Cold weather gloves, knit hats, etc. Use common sense. o Glasses – allowed if prescription.

Safety o Jewelry is not allowed o Including cloth, plastic, rubber, etc. (No “Livestrong” bracelets) o No covering items with tape o Medical & religious items excepted o Must be made safe o If leagues have special rules – referee must enforce o Anti-concussion headgear acceptable

Are Casts Allowed? IF SAFE

Colors Visible undergarments – Same color as shirt/shorts Tape on socks – same color as material it’s applied to. Color conflicts … ?

Goalkeepers MUST wear different color shirt MUST wear all required equipment May wear long pants or different color shorts May wear gloves May wear soft-billed hat

Infringements o Player is asked to make correction o Can occur during play o Must leave at next stoppage if not corrected o Can only return with referee’s permission

Review Question Which of the following are required pieces of equipment that all players must wear? a)Shoes b)Shin guards and socks c)Shorts and shirt d)All of the above

Review Question Are goalkeepers required to wear the same equipment as other players? a)Yes b)No

Review Question Are goalkeepers required to have a different color jersey from the rest of their teammates? a)Yes b)No

Review Question Are players allowed to wear earrings as long as they are completely taped over? a)Yes b)No (hint)

Review Question What should the referee do if a player’s ears were just pierced and if the earrings are removed the hole will close before the end of the game? a)Inform the player that he or she will not be permitted to play unless the earrings are removed b)Have the player cover the earrings with tape and allow him or her to play

Review Question Who is responsible for ensuring the players’ equipment is safe for play? a)Referee b)Both team captains