Goalkeepers in soccer are the only players on the field who get to use their hands without incurring a penalty. They are the last line of defense and often determine the outcome of the game. They even wear different uniforms than the rest of the players, in part to stand out to other players and officials and in part to protect themselves from injuries.
Basic Uniform Requirements
The requirements for soccer uniforms are set by the governing body of the sport, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA rules require all players, including goalies, to wear the following: a jersey or shirt, shorts, stockings shin guards and footwear. Players are allowed to wear undershirts and undershorts, but they must be the same color as the outer garments.
Goalkeepers
In addition to the basic uniform rules, goalkeepers must wear a jersey with colors that are different and distinguishable from the jersey colors worn by both teams and the referees. This rule allows officials and players to spot the goalkeeper at all times, including during melees around the goal. It's OK if both goalies have jerseys that are the same color. In terms of optional equipment, you can wear shorts and pants made specifically for the goalie position. The shorts tend to be longer than regular soccer shorts, offering more protection when you dive to block a shot. Long pants designed for goalies offer even more protection, although you might feel that they slow you down enough to be a liability.
Gloves
Goalies are allowed to wear gloves, which are almost indispensable for a competitive goalkeeper. The gloves protect your hands, fingers and wrists from shots fired at long and short range, which can travel at close to 100 mph. Gloves for goalkeepers at the pro, college and high school level run about $150, as of May 2011. One example is the Uhisport Cerberus Bionik Glove, marketed as "the closest imitation of human hand and finger tendons." The molded latex palm with flexible grooves cut into it is designed for both protection and flexibility. Goalie gloves for kids' soccer, manufactured by such well-known names as Nike and Adidas, cost around $20.
Considerations
FIFA equipment rules generally are used by college and high school soccer governing bodies as well. Some exceptions are dictated by age or safety considerations. For example, high school soccer players, governed by the National Federation of High School Associations, are required to wear shirts, shorts, shin guards and shoes "that are appropriate size for the age." Shin guards can be no higher than 2 inches above the ankles. FIFA allows equipment for goalies and other players for protective purposes that pose no danger to other players. So headgear, face masks, eye wear and knee and arm pads that are made of soft, lightweight and padded material are OK.
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