Soccer Uniform Decoration Rules

Introduction

The soccer uniform says a lot about your team; unity, team spirit, and a desire to win the game. But before you design or decorate your soccer uniform this season, make sure you know the rules. And rules may vary from one organization to another, so be sure you know what the rules are for your team.

High School Soccer Uniform Rules

The following is a general guideline regarding high school soccer uniforms but is not official. Please check with your local school or organization for rules that pertain to your team, as rules may vary.

The Basics

A required high school soccer uniform includes jersey, shorts, socks, appropriate shoes, and shin guards that are age and size-appropriate and that provide adequate protection.

Socks and jerseys of opposing teams must be of contrasting colors. The home team will make the necessary changes if both teams are wearing similar colors. The home jersey should be light-colored, visiting team wears dark. New to the 2012 fall season, the home team may wear solid white jerseys and white socks, and the visiting team may wear dark.

Shin Guards

Shin guards are to be worn under socks, and with the bottom edge no higher than 2 inches above the ankle. Shin guards must meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) specifications. Undergarments must be the same color and length as the over-garment.

Numbers, Logos and Trademarks

The number size on the front of the jersey should be at least 4 inches high, 6 inches on the back. Only symbols representing the school (with possible exceptions) and the name of the player are permitted on the high school uniform. A manufacturer's logo or trademark may appear on socks, with limitations. Only one manufacturer's logo or trademark may appear on the outside of each article of clothing and may not exceed 2-1/4 square inches. An American flag must not exceed 2 X 3 inches. A commemorative or memorial patch may not exceed 4 square inches and with state approval may be worn on the jersey provided the symbol does not interfere with the visibility of the number.

Accessories, Casts and Braces

Soft caps are allowed, as well as padded headbands.

Items such as casts, braces, etc. worn on the body must be padded to ensure safety, with padding no less than 1/2 inch thick. Artificial limbs not considered dangerous and which do not put other players at a disadvantage are allowable. Any protruding parts must be foam padded.

College Soccer Uniform Rules

The following is from the NCAA Soccer 2008 and 2009 Rules and Interpretations.

The Basics

A standard college soccer uniform shall consist of a jersey or shirt, shorts, shoes, shin guards and stockings. Studs are allowed on soccer shoes as long as they're not considered dangerous.

Shin Guards

Players must wear shin guards "in the manner intended, without exception" and must be professionally manufactured, size and age-appropriate, and meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards.

Numbers, Logos and Trademarks

Jerseys must display visible and distinguishable numerals that are at least 8 inches tall on the backs of jerseys; 4 inches tall on the front. Numbered shorts are optional; numbered jerseys mandatory. The uniform may display one manufacturer's logo or trademark on the outside of the uniform and must not exceed 2-1/4 square inches, and this rule applies to all apparel worn by student athletes at a competition. A commemorative symbol may be worn on a jersey or shirt, but must be contained within the parameters of 2-1/4 square inches.

Colors

Home team players must wear matching uniforms, with colors that contrast with the visiting team's colors.

Goalkeepers must wear jerseys that set them apart from their teammates, and stockings that distinguish them from other players.

Shorts may be a different color than jerseys and socks, so long as long as all players display a uniform look. Visible undergarments must be the same color as the article of clothing it is worn under.

Rules recommend that warm-up jerseys or vests be a different color than the field uniform.

Accessories, Casts and Braces

Rules recommend that team captains wear arm bands distinguishing them from the other players.

A player may not wear anything considered dangerous to any player. Jewelry must not be worn except for medical bracelets or necklaces and must be secured to the body.

International Soccer Uniform Rules

The following is from the 2010-11 Federation International Football Association (FIFA) rules titled: "Laws of the Game", under Law 4, "Player's Equipment", pp. 18-19, and "Interpretation of the Laws" pp. 63-65. For details visit www.fifa.com.

The Basics

A standard international soccer uniform consists of: a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings, shin guards and shoes. If an undershirt is worn, the undergarment sleeve must be the same color as the jersey sleeve. The same rule applies to undergarments worn under shorts. Goalkeepers may wear tracksuit bottoms.

Shin Guards

Shin guards must be completely covered by stockings and be made of rubber, plastic, or other "suitable" material and provide a "reasonable degree of protection".

Colors

Opposing teams must wear colors that distinguish them from one another, and from officials. Goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him from his team players, and officials. In cases of infringement, see p. 19. If both goalkeepers are wearing the same color jersey, and neither has an alternate jersey, game is allowed to begin.

Accessories and Jewelry

All items of jewelry are strictly prohibited. Tape may not be used to secure jewelry.

All other articles of clothing besides the basic equipment must be inspected by the referee and determined to be safe.