Rulings

The following rulings by our state rules interpreter - Fred Hiler - are applicable to the 2009-2010 soccer year. Any questions about these rulings or interpretations should be directed to Fred Hiler.

This rule was updated for the 09-10 season. The sock must cover ankle braces only if the brace contains a hard surface. If not, then the brace is considered to be illegal equipment and should be handled as such.

Technological advances in joint braces have made them safer over the past decade. A commercially made knee brace does not need a protective sleeve as long as there is no exposed metal. Point of emphasis page 69, 2008-09 NFHS Rule Book.

If more than 1 player wears apparel under the jersey and/or shorts, all apparel worn must be the same color and the same length. If there are more than one color and/or length go with the color/length that is dominant among the team. If there is no dominant color/length let the coach decide which color/length the team will use. Again, the goalkeeper’s apparel under the jersey (if worn) does not have to match the color or length of the goalkeeper’s teammates.

When an illegally uniformed team is unable to correct the situation or cannot verify state association approval of the uniform, the game shall be played. The referee must, however, notify the state association following the game.

The University Interscholastic League has granted exceptions to National Federation equipment rules in special situations, including religious reasons.

Exceptions are predicated on the fact that the hair covering or other item is worn for religious reasons and is not dangerous to other players or made of a hard or unyielding substance.

Exceptions will also be granted when other garments are worn for religious reasons. Garments such as leggings may be worn. The team shorts must be the outer garment. The part of the garment that is not covered by the uniform shorts must be of a solid color, the same basic color of the uniform shorts.

Garments worn under the uniform jersey may also be worn for religious reasons. These must follow the guidelines of Rule 4 Section 1 Article 1 a. "If visible apparel is worn under the jersey, it shall be of similar length, all alike and of a solid color." (all players on the team are not required to wear apparel under the jersey if 1 or more wear the apparel).

These exceptions are predicated on the fact that these items are worn for religious reasons and are not dangerous to other players.

Jewelry of any kind is illegal equipment and may not be worn. Religious and/or medical jewelry may be worn if taped to the body with the medical data visible. Items worn for adornment whether made of metal, stone or fabric is considered to be jewelry. String bracelets are illegal equipment. When a player is wearing tape the referee should ask what the tape is for. If it is covering jewelry the tape and jewelry must be removed. If the player chooses not to remove the jewelry, the player chooses not to play.

Shin guards must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications.  Beginning with the 2012 fall season, the NOCSAE seal and height range shall be permanently marked on the front of the shinguard.

Equipment shall not be modified from its original manufactured state and shall be worn in the manner the manufacturer intended it to be worn.  Shin guards shall provide adequate and reasonable protection, worn under the stockings, and are worn with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle.

The 2 inch space is roughly equivilent to 3 fingers (from the top of the shoe). Do not place your fingers or a ruler on the shinguards to measure. Instead, this measurement should be done by eyesight. Usually, the players will help you recognize that the distance is not correct. They often tape the bottom of the shinguards to hold them up. Take a look at the width of the tape and where the tape is to start judging the distance. Finally, socks must be pulled up, covering the shinguards and not tucked into the shinguards.