WNYCAA: Soccer News

In 2008, the long anticipated ruling that shinguards needed to be NOCSAE approved became reality. 

This means there will be an NOCSAE label on the box, and on the tag inside the guard itself, telling you the appropriate size for a player's specific height.

The idea is that you now have to wear a size that is proportional to your height.

The overall idea is a good in itself.  However, in my opinion, the method they decided to use usually doesn't really cover your shins very well.

For example, for full protection, my daughter wears an adult extra large which is "designed" for someone who is 6'1"-6'7" tall.  However, she is not that tall, and probably never will be.  She is only 5'5".  But an adult XL is the right size for her in regards to having full protection  (in my opinion).

Better protection is provided when it covers most of the area between 2" above your ankle and 1-2" below the bottom of your knee.  The problem is that it is hard to know "where does the knee start?" 

So have them sit down in a diningroom chair.  Look where the bottom side of their upper leg connects to the back of the lower leg.  You then apply that height to the front side of the lower leg as your starting point for the bottom of the knee.  Measure 1-2 " down from there. 

I would say your ankle is where those big round balls are on each side the foot.  Measure 2" up from there. 

REMEMBER:  The 2 above and 2 below is not a requirement.....just good advice.  There are no moving parts between those two spots.

NOTE:  A current NOCSAE guard on the person they claim will fit, actually covers quite a bit less than that, which is why I say that players may want to get the next size bigger.  Any less, and you are unnecessarily exposing your shins and ankles to getting smacked.

Why are they so small?  Players have always prefered playing with as little down there as possible.  That is why HS sports admins have had to come up with some rule to define what proper protection is.  Unfortunately, in this case, I think the NOCSAE organization compromised safety in allowing the guard to be on the smaller side to make players happy.  (But it is better than having no standard at all.)

So my advice would be to look at what  size is acceptable for your height, and then buy the next size bigger.   Maybe even 2 sizes.  This will not only give you better protection now, but will also allow you to grow into it over time. 

If you get good ones, and take care of them, you shouldn't have to buy another pair before you graduate.

I'd also suggest getting the kind where the bottoms can be removed, and getting ones that have plastic shields and/or padding in the sides of the ankle.

In the end, you need to be comfortable running in them and they need to wrap around your leg muscle comfortably.  Just make sure they are at least the minimum size for your height, and say NOCSAE on the shin guard label themselves.  You can almost always open the box to try them on and inspect the label before you buy.

Have a great season!