The Rational Ref | Shin guards must protect the legs
Any player who has suffered, or seen, a severe injury would realise the importance of these items of gear
Like soccer players, shin pads come in all shapes, sizes and prices. And just like players, these guards vary widely in their stature, effectiveness and value for money.
Therefore, have you ever stopped to think about the level of protection that "shinnies" provide? How well do shin guards protect our lower leg bones? They were first introduced to soccer in 1874 when Sam Weller Widdowson took his cue from cricket and cut down his cricket pads to cover his shins.
Others following in his footsteps were ridiculed for being "soft" by supposedly "hard" men. It took more than 115 years for the game's guardians to eventually see sense. It was only in 1990 that Fifa made the wearing of shin guards mandatory.
But even today, it is incredible that so many players detest wearing them and will use any excuse to go without. In Hong Kong's recreation leagues and many informal events like seven-a-side or five-a-side competitions, many players choose to go without. It is usually players from South America or Africa who regularly forget to put on shin guards. In official leagues where the rules are applied more stringently, referees will not allow players to participate without wearing the proper equipment.