Are Shin Guards Used In Field Hockey?

Field hockey is a team sport. The modern version of the game has been played since the early 1800s, but similar games have been played for thousands of years. In countries where ice hockey is not played, field hockey is simply referred to as "hockey." The sport is governed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and rules are determined by the Hockey Rules Board. According to the FIH, shin guards must be worn during professional field hockey games. They must be worn on the inside of your socks, rather than over the top of them.

Function

Shin guards are worn to protect the front of the lower leg in sports such as field hockey, soccer, rugby and football. Much of the tibia is exposed on the front of the shin, and severe injury can result from direct traumatic contact with it. The ideal shin guards (or shin pads) provide adequate coverage while allowing you to have a full range of movement. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine tested the ability of shin guards to prevent tibia fracture and deep bruising. According to the results, the average shin guards tested reduced the force absorbed by the tibia to between 11 and 17 percent when compared to unprotected legs.

History

According to the Bible's Book of 1 Samuel (written between 960 and 700 B.C.), Goliath wore brass "greaves" to protect his shins. Warriors since then have worn shin guard equivalents made from metal or leather that were strapped to the front of the leg for protection. Shin guards weren't required for professional sports until the early 1990s. Modern shin pads are much lighter, thinner and less obtrusive than previous designs. They are made from modern materials such as fiberglass, plastic, foam rubber and kevlar.

Types

There are two main types of shin guards: sleeve-type guards and strap-on type guards. Sleeve-type guards are worn like a footless sock. You insert your leg into the sleeve, and the front part of it has the shin protection. The back is generally just a stretchy material used to hold up the guard. Strap-on shin guards use velcro to hold the pad to the front of the lower leg.

Shin Guard Care

You need to properly care for your shin guards in order to keep them in top shape. They should be washed in a washing machine using mild soap at least once each month. Hang them to dry. Between washes, the guards can be soaked in a vinegar and water mixture to kill bacteria and remove odors. Make sure you hang your shin pads up to dry after any field hockey games or practices; this will prevent mold and bacterial growth. A 100 percent solution of vinegar sprayed on the pads can also prevent and remove odors.