Question Number: 23292

Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/10/2010

RE: Rec Other

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23186

I just completed my training and exam yesterday. I'm interested in this question because of an incident several years ago.

I see 'inside the sock' and 'under the sock' in your answers. In the 2009/2010 laws, it says 'are covered entirely by the stocking'.

We are supplied very long socks in our league and kids generally pull up the sock, put on the shin guard and pull the excess sock back down over the shinguard. There is no shinguard exposed.

We had a referee insist that the socks be removed, the shinguard put on against the skin and the socks put on over top.

This does not seem to fit the current law. It struck me as overly officious at the time. Your thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee correct stated that the sock be entirely outside the shinguard. The correct wearing of the sock is often a point of emphasis with very young players.

Some advise children to wear a second, inner sock when they don't like the shinguard next to the skin.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jamie
The shinguard is designed to work properly inside the sock and covered entirely by the sock. If the shinpad is placed between the sock and the rolled over excess sock it does not work properly and there is an element of risk. If it were then taped that would be satisfactory IMO and indeed it would be difficult to detect without a very close inspection. With some shinpads that have an ankle protector that is not possible as the ankle element would be visible.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Player safety is the #1 concern of any referee. Shinguards are made to be worn under the socks as they will rotate and move if not worn properly. This referee not only acted properly, he should be commended for his actions