Braveheart Soccer......Historical Records

  Here is my take on how we handle the shin guards this year. Essentially, the same as last year, however, we now have the NOCSAE standards. 

These standards are that the length of the shin guard should be at least 9.5 percent of the height of the player. Here are the rough rules of thumb for shin guards for high school players (8^th grade and older): The minimum length of the shin guard is  6 inchesA six foot tall player needs a shin guard that is  7 inches in lengthA seven foot tall player only needs a shin guard that is 8 inches in length. Just because the shin guard has a NOCSAE label does not make it legal.  It has to be the correct length. The NFHS rules only mandate that the shin guard need NOCSAE standards.    Therefore, don't worry about the label only the length. 

NOTE:   Per the NFHS rules:  The Coach is responsible for the players to be properly equipped.   As referees we must ask the coach, prior to the start of the game, if all his/her players are properly equipped and that none of them are wearing illegal stuff. (typically jewelry).  This gives them a chance to show us the medical release forms for any hard casts.

We, as referees, should always be on the field at least 15 minutes early, and walking among the players.  If we see a player with shin guards that we think are too small, ask the player to check with his/her coach and come back with the proper shin guards on.   Period.   We don’t need to see the shin guard, unless the player chooses to show us the shin guard to prove it is the correct length.   If the shin guard is NOCSAE approved, it has a label on the inside that states the maximum player height for which the shin guard is too be used.   If, after all this, you or your partner discover a player on the field with shin guards that are obviously too small, at the earliest convenient time, stop the game (or wait for play to stop), caution the player for illegal equipment and have them leave the field (not to be replaced unless this is also a substitution time) and have them correct the shin guards.   The team may come back to full strength at the next substitution opportunity (if the stoppage was not a substitution opportunity).   

The coach in Massachusetts is NOT to be cautioned.   

Therefore, before each and every game for the first two weeks of the season, remind the coaches Prior to the start of the game, of the rules of thumb,  six inches minimum.   8 inches for a seven foot player.   That will give them and your partners guidance, and we should Never have to caution a player for illegal shin guards. NOTE:  Wearing the shin guard (of correct length) more than 2 inches above the top of the ankle is improper not illegal.  Therefore, merely remind the player to adjust the shin guard.  There is no caution involved.   All these rule changes are to provide standards, and to provide protection for the players, NOT to generate more cautions. Thanks