SHINGUARDS MUST BE NOCSAE APPROVED
10/14/2009

NOCSAE Standard

Many soccer players purposely use the smallest shin guard available leaving a disproportionately large area of the leg exposed to the rigors of the game. In an effort to address this situation, NFHS has adopted the NOCSAE shinguard standard. Below is a synopsis of the standard.

Beginning with the 2008-09 high school soccer season, shinguards must meet the NOCSAE standard. Approved shinguards will be stamped or labeled with the NOCSAE logo and will specify which size is correct according to the height of the player. Players will no longer be allowed to wear undersized shinguards.

Improperly equipped players will be instructed to leave the field of play and may re-enter only after reporting to an official who deems the player's equipment is in order. The first caution (yellow card) is issued to the coach, but all subsequent cautions for illegally equipped players will be issued to the player directly.

Most NOCSAE comes in two sizes. The Small/Medium can be used by players up to 5’8” and the Large can be used by players up to 6’2” tall.