Written by: Soccer Garage

FIFA has strict requirements of what players can wear on the field. Every other soccer league follows rules that are similar too. Some of these rules, like the lack of jewelry, are for the protection of players. Others are done to keep clubs easily identifiable. Beyond the basics, FIFA and other leagues do allow players to wear more than just trunks and soccer jerseys. Read on for the basic requirements every soccer player needs before stepping out onto the pitch.

Goal Keepers

Goalies are the only players on the field that have different soccer equipment than the other players. Their kits are generally different colors from the player kits, which helps referee’s tell them apart when the action moves to the goal line. They are required to wear shin guards like most players on the pitch, but they also get gloves to protect their hands from the ball. Goalies also carry a water bottle with them onto the field, which is usually stored near or on the goal net during play.

Referees

Referees have specific kits that set them apart from everyone else on the field. They are usually in bright yellow or green colors, but white is also common. They carry a whistle, and different colored cards they use to dish out punishment to players on the field. A referee wears cleats, and may opt to wear shin guards but is not required to. Side line referees also carry checkered flags, which they use in different formations to signal an offsides call or penalty.

Uniforms

Basic soccer uniforms consist of a pair of shorts and a shirt, which is usually collared. The kit is colored to the team, and often alternates colors depending on the home or away kit. Smaller leagues, like kid’s leagues, may only feature one kind of kit to save costs for the parents. Players can add things like wrist or head bands to help with sweat, but they are not allowed to wear any jewelry on the field for their protection. FIFA also allows its players, especially younger ones, to wear sunglasses onto the pitch as long as they are secured tightly to the face and head.

Other Rules

There are some interesting rules related to kits on the field too. For example, if a player loses his shoe in the same instant he scores a goal, that goal would stand. But the player must be wearing shoes at all time and may receive a penalty if he is caught without them in other circumstances. All equipment must be inspected by an official to make sure it does not create a danger to other players on the field, and that it does not give a team an unfair advantage.