Question:
We understand that recreational, youth and even high school soccer teams sometimes get creative with their uniform design.
Adult and U20 soccer teams uniform question is whether all players (with the exception of the goal keeper) must wear the same color socks ON BOTH LEGS.
We dont see anthing on ATRLOTG that specifies BOTH socks on players legs having to be the same color. If the entire team is wearing one color on one leg and a different color on the other, is this within the spirit of the game? Can this be considered taunting? Unsporting?
Does it stand true that as long as the team uniform is “uniform” regardless of the pattern, color or fashion statement.
Is there a presidence or guidance on this from USSF regarding adult matches? Or any match for that matter? Shouldnt the referee focus be on equipment safety not whether its a fashion statement or particularly odd (or uncommon) to see but within the guidelines of Law 4?
USSF answer (May 11, 2009):
This answer was sent out in 2008:
USSF answer (May 7, 2008):
There is indeed a requirement for uniformity of socks. While nothing is specifically written in Law 4 regarding the color of socks, tradition and common practice dictate that all members of a team (with the possible exception of the goalkeeper) wear socks of the same color, rather than each wearing his or her own choice or wearing socks of one color on one foot and socks of a different color on the other foot.The ruling will be found in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” which is based on the Laws, memoranda from FIFA and the International F. A. Board, and in memoranda and policy papers published by the United States Soccer Federation.
4.1 WEARING UNIFORMS
It is implicit in the Law that each side wear a distinctively colored jersey, that shorts and socks be uniform for each team, and that the uniforms be distinguishable from the uniforms worn by the other team. However, the details of the uniform are governed by the competition authority and can vary widely from one match to another. The referee must know and enforce the rules of each competition worked. Players’ jerseys must remain tucked inside their shorts, socks must remain pulled up, and each player must wear shinguards under the socks. All undergarments (slide pants, undershirts, etc.) which extend visibly beyond the required uniform must be as close as possible in color to the main color of the uniform part under which they are worn.All players must wear jerseys or shirts that distinguish them from the referee and assistant referees. If the colors are the same, the players, not the referees, must change.
Remember that jersey/shirt and shorts must be two separate items, not a single unit.
