From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A kit is the standard equipment and attire worn by players in association football (soccer). The sport's Laws of the Game specify the minimum equipment to be used, and also prohibit the use of anything that is dangerous to himself or another player. Furthermore, competition rules may stipulate further restrictions, such as regulating colours or requiring numbers on shirts.

Required (basic) equipment

The Laws require all players to have the following separate items:

• Shirt (or jersey)

• Shorts

• Footwear

• Shin pads

• Stockings (or socks)

Goalkeepers must wear colours that are easily distinguishable from all other players and the match officials.

Other equipment

Goalkeepers almost always wear goalkeeper gloves, though there is nothing preventing other players from doing so. Goalkeepers sometimes also wear caps to prevent glare from the sun or floodlights affecting their performance. Players with sight problems may wear glasses providing there is no risk of them falling off or breaking and thereby becoming dangerous (the most famous case of these special sports glasses in recent times is Edgar Davids). However jewelery, watches or other items that may be dangerous to any players are not allowed.

Match officials' kit

Traditionally, referees, assistant referees and fourth officials wear all-black kits. However, increasingly other colours are being used. Referees' jerseys have a pocket sewn in so yellow and red cards, and the referee's notebook can be carried.