A quick summary – Just about any shoe with some sort of traction, good protection of the foot, and safe for other players is an acceptable soccer shoe. What to watch out for is long and very narrow or sharp cleats usually at the toe that will cut or injure another player if they slide into them. Rounded or gentle ridges or nubs that will not cut may be allowed, even if they could conceivably bruise without penetrating the skin.
Whether the cleat is hard plastic, nylon, or has a metal end piece is not the question. The question to ask is: Will it slash or penetrate with a sharp point or narrow ridge? In which case the answer is – NO. Or is it a blunt object that may bruise but will not cause a penetration injury? In which case in general the answer will be – YES.
- Sandals – NO – not safe for the person wearing them inadequate support and protection
- Golf Shoes, Track Shoes – NO – not safe pointed spikes that will penetrate and cause puncture wounds.
- Dress shoes – discouraged highly – too smooth on the bottom and slippery risk to player wearing them and the other players from loss of traction and sliding out of control.
- Cross country running shoes, Tennis shoes, Keds, etc. – YES.
Parents, coaches and referees need to keep this clarification in mind and work together to ensure that the players are safe while out on the pitch. If you have further questions, please email the referee administrator at [email protected].
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