1. The Players’ Equipment
Law 4
The Players’ Equipment

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

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

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

12. 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

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

14. UNDER SHORTS
Allowed if same color as predominate color of shorts

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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