Laws of the Game & FA Rules

Law 4 - The Players' Equipment

Players' Equipment

Small Sided Football - Laws of the Game

The Players' Equipment

Safety

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player, including any kind of jewellery. Jewellery should be removed.

Basic Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player is:

  • A jersey or shirt
  • Shorts or track suit trousers 
  • Socks
  • Shinguards
  • Footwear – which is subject and appropriate to local conditions and surface type must   be worn.

Shinguards

  • are covered entirely by the socks
  • are made of a suitable material (rubber, plastic or similar substances)
  • provide a reasonable degree of protection

Goalkeepers

  • the goalkeeper is permitted to wear long trousers
  • each goalkeeper wears colours which easily distinguish him from the other players and the referees

Infringements/Sanctions

For any Infringements of this Law:

  • The player at fault is instructed by the referee to leave the playing area to correct his equipment or to obtain any missing item of equipment.  The player may not return to the playing area without first reporting to the referee, who then checks that the player’s equipment is now correct.  The player is only allowed to re-enter the game when the ball is out of play.
  • Players can return to play whilst the ball is in play if a second official has checked the equipment. If no second official is present the player must wait for a break in play in order for the referee to check the faulty equipment.