I am trainee ref and new to this forum and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on the interpretation of Law 4 in relation to shinguards, which seems to be very loosely worded. I was watching a junior game last weekend and one of the kids seemed to be were wearing socks that had integrated shinguards sewn into them. I only noticed because the kid slid into a challenge and the shin guard part ripped out of the sock and his Dad gave him a fresh pair to put on. The ref didn't say anything, but it got me thinking about the interpretation of the shinguard rule. Does anyone know if a sock with integrated shinguard is legal? Presumably if it is "covered entirely by the stockings" then it could be acceptable? What if it was imbedded into the sock but partially exposed?
I also wonder about the interpretation of the "reasonable degree of protection" a shinguard must provide. I have seen kids put cardboard under their socks and get away with it, but surely that should be illegal.
I also wonder about the interpretation of the "reasonable degree of protection" a shinguard must provide. I have seen kids put cardboard under their socks and get away with it, but surely that should be illegal.