Soccer followers have seen a pattern of some skilled footballers carrying barely-visible shin pads throughout matches – however why are they used as an alternative of regular-sized pairs?
The straightforward reply is that gamers can select what dimension shin pads they need to put on.
The Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board (Ifab), chargeable for the legal guidelines of the sport, say that shin pads are a compulsory piece of kit gamers should put on whereas enjoying.
Regulation 4.2 states that shin pads should:
Be made of an appropriate materials
Be of an acceptable dimension to supply cheap safety and be coated by the socks
And gamers are chargeable for the dimensions and suitability of their shin pads
The legislation doesn't outline what an “acceptable” shin pad dimension is, however go away that call to every particular person participant.
Shin pads present important safety for gamers to stop critical accidents.
There was a rising pattern in youthful footballers, in addition to some massive stars, carrying small shin pads throughout matches.
The rationale for this could possibly be for extra consolation and to permit gamers to maneuver round with higher ease.
Referees are solely required to verify that some type of shin guards are being worn, Ifab informed BBC Sport.
A latest {photograph} of 17-year-old Brighton midfielder Harry Howell celebrating with team-mate James Milner went viral after followers seen the seen distinction within the dimension of their shin pads, with Howell's barely seen pair contrasting with Milner's way more traditional-sized guards.
Ifab stated gamers – or the dad and mom or guardians of youth gamers – should take accountability for their very own security on the pitch.
