Soft shin pads?

[Arbitrator]

Hi all,

I see more and more under 18s wearing those soft shin pads of different qualities as per my own observation - disallowed my son to wear them as we ordered different pairs and to me they were all pants cheap or expensive compared to hard shell ones.

The official guidance for grassroots is no micro or mini, how are you dealing with it?

 

[Archer]

What does Law 4 say?

 

[Arbitrator]

What does Law 4 say?

So you are saying players are responsible?
What about my duty of care for minors?

“shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards”

There is no guidance if those are suitable or not which is why I am asking

 

[RustyRef]

There are shin pads now that harden on impact, same technology as mobile phone cases. Not sure that is a risk I would be taking personally, but equally I don't think referees should be getting involved. Example here https://www.prodirectsport.com/socc...to-shin-guard-black-green-accessories-270754/

 

[Arbitrator]

There are shin pads now that harden on impact, same technology as mobile phone cases. Not sure that is a risk I would be taking personally, but equally I don't think referees should be getting involved. Example here https://www.prodirectsport.com/socc...to-shin-guard-black-green-accessories-270754/

I ask specifically for under age football - as an adult people make their own decisions and as long it is not forbidden or dangerous I tend to agree. We all know well that CE markings are placed where no CE (confusion everywhere) has been achieved especially from countries like China etc. but even checking CE compliance assuring the required protection is unreasonable - for hardshell I can knuckle check if I deem them to be appropriate. I have had loads who did not wear shin pads at all and had to remind their coaches, hence I am looking for guidance on particularly these new ones.

 

[RustyRef]

I ask specifically for under age football - as an adult people make their own decisions and as long it is not forbidden or dangerous I tend to agree. We all know well that CE markings are placed where no CE (confusion everywhere) has been achieved especially from countries like China etc. but even checking CE compliance assuring the required protection is unreasonable - for hardshell I can knuckle check if I deem them to be appropriate. I have had loads who did not wear shin pads at all and had to remind their coaches, hence I am looking for guidance on particularly these new ones.

I would stay out of it as long as they appear to have pads on, and certainly wouldn't be "knuckle checking" shin pads in youth football.

 

[BCMilan]

IMO the governing bodies should have banned the tiny ones that the likes of Grealish where, ages ago. It only takes a tackle like Soucek's this evening to cause a very nasty injuryry

 

[BCMilan]

I would stay out of it as long as they appear to have pads on, and certainly wouldn't be "knuckle checking" shin pads in youth football.

I think we have a duty of care to the players, and should be able to stop a player playing if they don't where appropriate shinguards. The same as jewellery

 

[JamesL]

I ask specifically for under age football

It is the child's parents responsibility in that case.

should be able to stop a player playing if they don't where appropriate shinguards. The same as jewellery

You can't currently. The laws are clear.

Theres a clear difference. With Jewellery, in many/most cases it is to protect the opponents (aware there are risks to the wearer to, i am getting there), whereas shin guards relate to your own/the wearers welfare and so the risk is there own to take.

 

[RustyRef]

I think we have a duty of care to the players, and should be able to stop a player playing if they don't where appropriate shinguards. The same as jewellery

IFAB put a circular out saying that whether shin pads were suitable protection was down to the individuals wearing them, all referees need to do is ensure they are wearing shin pads. That is now effectively incorporated into law.

 

[Arbitrator]

IFAB put a circular out saying that whether shin pads were suitable protection was down to the individuals wearing them, all referees need to do is ensure they are wearing shin pads. That is now effectively incorporated into law.

Thanks this is what I was looking for, so if something happens it’s not my fault or duty

 

[RustyRef]

Thanks this is what I was looking for, so if something happens it’s not my fault or duty

As long as you did an equipment check, and they were wearing pads, there can't be any comeback on you.

 

[one]

shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards

My problem is (as usual) with the law. Laws are the part of the game that need to be enforced. If something is not to be enforced, why put it in the laws in the first place. If the circular is the intent then the entire description is reduntant and only creates confusion. If all we have to do is make sure they wear them, all the law has to say is "shinguards", just as is with footwear. Or at least remove the part I have highlighted as they are not enforcable.

 

[socal lurker]

It is the child's parents responsibility in that case.


You can't currently. The laws are clear.

Theres a clear difference. With Jewellery, in many/most cases it is to protect the opponents (aware there are risks to the wearer to, i am getting there), whereas shin guards relate to your own/the wearers welfare and so the risk is there own to take.

I agree that there is a clear difference between shinguards and jewelry. But I don’t agree that a referee “can’t” rule them unsafe and preclude them, just as he could for any other standard equipment. But it’s also clear that the Laws place that on the players, so it isn’t a responsibility.

All that said, IMO, youth leagues should put some responsibility on an adult, either the coach or the referee. (In the U.S., AYSO, the largest league nationally, has specifically said that to protect kids refs are still expected to not let them play with the teeny tiny shin guards.)

Without a league mandate, I wouldn’t get involved with shinguards, despite my view above that I can.

Aside: my favorite shin guard moment was when I discovered a player who had stuffed a stack of paper napkins as a shinguards in each sock. Looked legit until he ran around and the napkins spread apart.

 

[lincs22]

Thanks this is what I was looking for, so if something happens it’s not my fault or duty

The duty of care for ensuring the players are safe is with the team officials. They should not be allowing him to play if they are suitable, like the rest of their team kit.