Although professional players may want to go without shin guards, it is certainly not in the best interest of youth players to do so. Getting kicked in the shins and ankles happens all the time in soccer.

The Requirements

All youth soccer associations require shin guards to be worn by players at games. CYSA PIM 88-3 says:

"All players must wear shin guards in any CYSA sanctioned event. Referees will not allow players who are not wearing shin guards to play."

Also, a Fall 2001 FIFA law states that "...shin guards cannot be lower than 3 inches below the bottom of the patella (knee cap)."

There are many kinds of shin guards, some of which are not very effective, but all of which satisfy association requirements. In the early days, commercially-available youth shin guards consisted of a layer of foam surrounded by an elastic sock. Only somewhat effective, this style was bulky, hot, and heavy. Today's shin guards use many highly effective forms of protection, including compressed air capsules, plastic staves and plates, light weight foam, fiberglass, and gel capsules.

Types of Shin guards

Essentially there are two categories of shin guards: those with ankle sleeves (not to be confused with ankle cups) and those without sleeves. Guards without ankle sleeves are lighter and less restrictive than those with them. Such shin guards are usually slipped into and held in place by the socks; they don't require removal of the boots to insert, change, or remove. Shin guards with sleeves are held in place by the sleeve (and, typically, a strap under the foot). The boots must be removed to put sleeved shin guards on and off.

Criteria to Look For

The most important factors involved are comfort, weight and flexibility, and protection. First, does the shin guard cut or rub at the ankle causing discomfort? Secondly, is the shin guard so big and bulky that you cannot move the leg quickly, or so thick and insulating that you cannot feel the ball well enough to control it? Thirdly, will the guard provide adequate protection when someone kicks you at full strength? These three criteria are somewhat mutually exclusive. You sacrifice light-weight and flexibility for safety, and vice versa.

Durability isn't much of an issue. All shinguards should "last" an entire season of regular use without falling apart. If a shinguard cracks or splits after a heavy challenge, then it has done its job. Like a motorcycle helmet that has absorbed the energy of an impact and has "sacrificed itself" in so doing, you just throw the shinguard away and buy another one, thankful for the protection you received.

To protect the entire shin (and prevent stress points at the top edge, shin guards must must cover the entire shin. Shin guards should extend up to within 3-4 inches of the knee. Shin guards that are only half the length of a player's leg are too short.

Ankles are not shins, but ankles need protection from kick, anyway. Some guards have ankle protection in the form of a thick stretchy material. These may (should) also include a plastic disc (ankle caps) on each side. Ankle caps can affect the fit of your cleat, causing discomfort or even blisters. Always try on shin guards with your boots. (Protection from being kicked from behind is provided by an extension on the boot and, by the referee, who will consider a kick-from-behind as a foul.)

Most shin guards have an elastic strap to goes around the calf, held on by Velcro. Straps that fasten on the front are significantly less annoying than straps on the back or side, because as the guard wears, the corners of the Velcro will be pulled back by motion of the sock. If this wear and tear happens on the side or back, you'll feel the Velcro scratch you every time you move.

Price v. Protection

Price is not a good indication of satisfaction. Nor are brand-names or fancy graphics. No one can see shin guards when they are worn, so it doesn't make any sense to purchase the pair with evil red eyes staring out at you from the display box.

Comfort - The #1 Rule

The #1 Rule: You can't buy shin guards without your soccer boots. If you do, you may find out that some part of the shin guard is inside your boot, or that your boot doesn't even fit when the ankle sleeve and strap are inside the boot.

Assuming that your shin guards don't interfere with the fit of your boots, all shin guards feel weird when you first wear them. Give them a few practices to break them in. You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to "your" shin guards. Once they are broken in, they'll be a part of you, you won't want to wear anything else.

For the ultimate in fit, you can consider shin guards that you mold to your own legs. Typically, these fiberglass-based shin guards start to harden as soon as you take them out of their special packages and either dip them in water or expose them to the air. You mold them to your shin while they are still pliable, wrap them on your leg with an elastic bandage or tight sock, and walk around for an hour or so until they harden. If you want ankle protection, you'll have to add that separately. But, you won't have to complain about a bad fit!

Where to Get Help

Talk to a person at your nearest soccer store. These are invariably players and ex-players. Tell him/her what your requirements are and what your budget is. You'll be wisely advised.