Shin guards are mandatory for children playing organized soccer and provide important protection against injury [1]
Shin guards vary according to player size and position.
They are typically made out of fiberglass, foam rubber, polyurethane, plastic and eva foam/lycra.
Look for shin guards that meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) [2] standard stamped or labeled with the NOCSAE logo [3]. They will specify which size is correct for a particular sized player, making it easy for players, coaches and officials to differentiate which shin guards are to be worn.
Defenders should use thicker, more protective shin guards.
Midfielders need a more rounded shin guard, protective but light.
The following guide may be helpful in selecting the right shin guard size.
X-Small: | up to a height of 3'9'' |
Small: | up to a height of 4'5'' |
Medium: | up to a height of 5'1'' |
Large: | over 5'2'' |
Links:
[1] http://momsteam.com/alpha/departments/regularseason/soccer_safety_shin_guards.shtml
[2] http://www.nocsae.org/index.html
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/node/2472
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/sports/soccer-shin-guards-NOCSAE-safety-seal-required-beginning-in-2012
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/sports/soccer/safety/youth-soccer-safety-shin-guards-essential-equipment