What equipment problems should we look for, and who is responsible?

Question

Accepted Answer

The head coach must verify before every game that all players are legally equipped and will wear the equipment properly. Allowing illegal or improperly worn equipment can result in a penalty against the coach. Illegal equipment examples: jewelry, tinted visors, non-compliant eye shade, bands on the upper arm, neck or legs, and non-conforming adornments such as towels. Player-worn cameras and microphones are also illegal. Improperly worn equipment is legal gear not worn as intended, for example: pants that don't cover the knees, a tooth and mouth protector not in place when the ball is put in play, shoulder pads not fully covered by the jersey. New for 2026: tooth and mouth protectors can't include attachments that don't protect the teeth or mouth, or anything that's a health or safety risk to the wearer or others (Rule 1-5-1d(5)).