gear / source checked

What equipment is required?

IFAB Law 4 lists a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear as compulsory equipment. Shinguards must provide reasonable protection and be covered by socks.

Equipment must not be dangerous. Goalkeeper gloves are useful equipment choices but are not listed as compulsory under this law.

What to do next

• Ask your competition for its equipment requirements before buying.
• Check the fit and coverage of shinguards under match socks.

References

IFAB • Law 4: Player equipment • checked 2026-09-29

Not specialist reviewed.