Equipment of soccer player

There are very specific regulations when it comes to equipment of soccer players and what is allowed and what is not on the soccer field.

Entering the field without the permission of the referee will cost a yellow card. As a member of a soccer team, it is the player“s responsibility to understand these rules.

Here are the required elements to play a regulation soccer match, as outlined by FIFA. According to FIFA, players are to wear a jersey, shorts, shinguards, footwear and stockings.

Soccer jersey

A soccer jersey or soccer shirt is absolutely required. No required jersey means no play. Don’t go taking your shirt off like so many people we’ve seen lately, and risk fines or worse. Just ask Mario Balotelli who was fined after removing his shirt in a May, 2013 match of Milan v. Torino. Of course it’s tempting, when you’ve sweated through your jersey, or you just scored a goal, but you had best to think twice and respect the rules of the field.

If you wear a shirt under the jersey, the sleeves need to be the same color as the jersey. The goal keeper must wear a color to distinguish himself from other players, as well as the referee. If your undershirt has a slogan on it, you’d better leave it at home, as you can be sanctioned for revealing advertising, or slogans of any sort, be they political, religious, or personal. All jerseys must have sleeves. The jersey should be tucked into the shorts.

Soccer shorts

Soccer shorts are really required when playing. If any other type of undergarment is worn and it is underneath the bottom of the short, it needs to be the same color as the short uniform. One piece clothing items cannot replace official short and the official jersey.

Soccer shin guards

Shin guards are not just allowed, they are required. With cleats and high powered kicks, you’d be a fool to think about not wearing them. The shinguards can’t be modified so as to affect their use. They cannot for example, be cut in half. 

Soccer footwear

FIFA does not specify the footwear required, just that it needs to stay on your feet during the entire time you are on the field. If your shoe flies off during the course of play by accident, the referee will like not issue a penalty, but if you purposefully remove them that would be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Soccer cleats are generally the preferred footwear. The referee has the right to inspect the cleats prior to play to ensure they are not dangerous.

Stockings

These should be light colored when playing at home, and they need to match each other. Stockings should be worn overtop of the shin guards.

Not allowed

Jewelry is never allowed on the field. It is never acceptable to cover the jewelry with tape, or hide it with your hair or clothing. No accessories of any sort including those made of rubber, leather, fabric as well as any other material are allowed. Wedding rings need to be removed. No earings, bracelets, noserings, belly button rings, or any other piercing are allowed to be worn. No necklaces, belts, hair clips or other non-essential accessories are allowed.

If the player needs additional equipment other than these items, like glasses or protective gear, those items need to be approved by the referee and should be selected with safety in mind. The newer close fitting sports glasses are generally acceptable, as are the foam protective gear. Casts need to be foam. All protective gear should be approved by the referee prior to entering the field.

It’s the job of the referee to make sure you are dressed to play this fine game safely. It’s your job to come to the field ready to play, and that includes following the rules of the equipment of soccer players. The referee may inspect your attire when entering the field, and order that you correct any issues prior to entering. If omissions are discovered while you are on the field, penalties are completely warranted. Don’t let your team down. Come ready to play.