Soccer Shoes and Shinguards
It is the opinion of the AYSO NRP that soccer shoes or shinguards made by any major soccer equipment manufacturers are acceptable. Shoes or shinguards which are not made by major soccer equipment manufacturers are acceptable if, in the opinion of the referee, the shoes or shinguards are not dangerous to the player wearing them or another player, and the shinguards afford the player a reasonable degree of protection.

Shinguards must be completely covered by the player's stockings. A player who puts the shinguards on over the stocking and then rolls the stocking down over the shinguard should be required to change. The shinguard must be worn completely under the stocking.

Shoes
Aluminium cleats are acceptable but the referee must inspect all types of cleats on shoes to ensure that there are no burrs or sharp edges and, if they exist, burrs or sharp edges must be removed before the player is allowed to participate.

Jewelry, Earring, and Studs
Jewelry, including earrings of any kind, whether or not worn in any body piercing (visible to the referee), must be removed before the player is to be allowed to participate in a match. The same is true of any stud which is used in a body piercing when the jewelry is not being worn.

It is also recommended to coaches that the same rule be applied during practices as the wearer is at risk of severe injury. Beads worn braided into the hair are also to be regarded as jewelry. In order to serve as good role models, referees should abide by the same rules as the players in regard to jewelry, earring and studs.

Spectacles
Players who require prescription glasses are to be allowed to wear them during a match. The AYSO NRP recommends, but does not require, that retaining straps be worn. Rubber bands may also be used for this purpose. Prescription goggles such as the type used by racquetball players are also permitted subject to the approval of the referee prior to the start of the match. Spectacle guards made of plastic or other hard material are not permitted.

Mouthguards
The AYSO NRP recommends that players, with the following exceptions, do not wear mouthguards.
Exceptions: It is recommended that parents whose children wear braces on their teeth confer with their orthodontist to decide if the use of a mouthguard is desirable.

It is further recommended that coaches and referees treat mouthguards as optional equipment and not prevent children who are wearing them from participating in soccer practices and matches. If parents decide to have their children wear mouthguards it is recommended that they first consult their dentist. Children should not wear a "boil and bite" mouthguard as this type is considered to be a waste of money and provides false security.

Note: This AYSO NRP recommendation was coordinated with Dr. Robert H. Fredrickson. Dr. Fredrickson is a member of the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and has a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Sports Dentistry. He is a long time AYSO member and past member of the AYSO Board of Directors. He also played, refereed, and coached high school and college soccer.