Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in America with millions of youth around the country lacing up their cleats every spring. Since its inception in 1974, US Youth soccer reports that registration has grown from around 100,000 to three million participants annually. Soccer is a sport that requires little protective equipment, but properly fitting shin guards are mandatory for every player. Generally, shin guards are divided into two categories, junior for players 5 foot 4 inches and under, and senior for those over 5 foot 4 inches tall.
Identification
Shin guards are intended to protect your shins from the knee to the ankle against the impact of a kick. They are made from various materials including plastic, fiberglass, polyurethane and foam rubber. Fiberglass guards are recommended for younger soccer players because the material is of a lighter weight, making them comfortable and easy to wear. Some shin guards come with a padded ankle piece attached to the bottom of the guard, designed to protect the ankle and Achilles tendon. You should choose a guard with an ankle protector for children under 12 to ensure full coverage and protection.
Sizing
To find the proper size youth shin guard, measure the length of your child's shin, from the bend of the knee to approximately an inch above the top of his/her shoe. You can then compare this measurement to the size of the guard when shopping in the store. You'll also need to know the height of your child, as many manufacturers size their guards according to height. Adidas, for example, sells a youth size small, intended for children 4 foot 7 inches tall and under, medium for children between 4 foot 7 and 5 foot 3 and so on. Many sporting good stores will have a size chart or one may be listed on the manufacturer's label.
Significance
A properly fitting shin guard is imperative when playing soccer, not only for maximum protection but also so it doesn't interfere with your child's ability to maneuver down the field. If the guard is too long and hits the knee, it will make running more difficult. Conversely, if the guard is too short, a part of the shin will be exposed, leaving it vulnerable to injury.
Considerations
To ensure the best fit, have your child try on the shin guards in the store to make sure they feel comfortable. Prices for youth shin guards ranged from $10 to $30 at the time of publication and the plastic variety without the added ankle protector was the least expensive.
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