Comments on: FA Guidance for use of Shinpads in Grassroots Football

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 19:53:20 +0000

I’ve already told several players that their micro/mini shinpads are not sufficient to protect them this season. I’ve made them change to bigger shinpads or else they don’t play. As a ref, I feel it’s our responsibility to ensure they are fit for purpose in keeping the players as safe as possible.

By: Andrew Beechey

Andrew Beechey — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:29:11 +0000

The FA should put a blanket ban on these micro pads, anyone trying to play with them should be told they cannot play until they get proper sized ones

By: Jeff Lytle

Jeff Lytle — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:06:30 +0000

because a minimum coverage can’t be the same for all makes and models physically, nor could manufacturers reasonably supply exact fits for all players, so range of sizes exist.

LotG allows refs to force players to sit if the player is not wearing shinguards that offer reasonable protection… no shinguard is perfect for any player, but given all the options in sizes, there is no excuse for any player to not attain shinguards to be worn which are reasonably protective (safe).

By: Darron Pearson

Darron Pearson — Wed, 29 May 2024 07:41:44 +0000

I for one think these pads are not fit for purpose, I broke my leg and was still wearing a full long shin pad with ankle support after a goal keeper came out studs showing hit my shin etc. rest is history, my point is these micro pads won’t save anyone’s shins need to be banned full stop

By: Claire davison

Claire davison — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 08:25:21 +0000

Companies now giving out these shin pads free with purchases I.e gain the edge. I was horrified when I seen them. They were barely bigger than my pinky finger! Straight in the bin. I haaave witnessed first hand , children on my sons team receiving fractures from tackles. Why would anyone encourage or allow their child to wear micro pads? I personally want my child as protected as possible. Responsible clubs have already banned micro pads and I know my sons team will not allow child to play or train without proper full size shin pads

By: Stephen Hopwood

Stephen Hopwood — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:16:21 +0000

Think it’s absolutely disgusting that governing bodies are willing to pass the buck on safety in sport as though it’s none of there concern. Kids in grassroots football look up to the big stars in the game and of course they are going to want to copy the things these top players do. The governing bodies need to step up and at the very least need to ban these mini shin pads from being used by youth players.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:12:50 +0000

So that “guidance” just passes the blame!
Shinpads should be a minimum size either by age or leg length. The shin pads kids see on TV by some Pro footballers are completely inappropriate! Way too small, and everyone knows who wears them. Stop them NOW!

By: Al

Al — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:57:53 +0000

In reply to Paul Woodhouse. Well said Paul, the LOTG do not state a minimun coverage and thus Refs can't force decisions, someone will get seriously hurt before they take action. A ref isn't going to ask each player to remove each pad to check the CE marking either.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:10:34 +0000

In reply to Paul Woodhouse. Couldn’t agree more with this, give the refs the opportunity to deny the player participating if wearing micro shin pads. The FAs statement is not strong enough.

By: Paul Woodhouse

Paul Woodhouse — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:41:01 +0000

I’m sorry, but that statement is just a ‘cop-out’.
The micro/mini pads are too small for even the smallest legs and as the ‘ Governing body’ surely you should make a decision on them.
I appreciate there are many thousands out there being used now and there may be some push-back, but you should have made a decision when these came on the market 6-12 months ago, or have you been unaware of what’s happening?
Regrettably, someone is going to get hurt wearing these and it needs a strong statement banning the use of them.