What equipment is required, and can I wear jewelry, a headband or a cast?

Shin guards are required. They must meet the NOCSAE standard, with the NOCSAE seal and height range stamped on the guard.

Jewelry: not permitted, even if taped. The exceptions:

• religious medals, if taped and worn under the uniform
• medical alert bracelets or necklaces, which must be taped and may be visible

Head coverings:

• Soft padded headbands are allowed.
• Soft, yielding caps are allowed only if your state association adopts that option. If worn, they must be alike in color.
• Religious head coverings are allowed without prior state association approval. They must be secured to the head and not made of abrasive or hard material.

Casts, splints and braces:

• Hard casts or splints must be padded with closed-cell foam at least 1/2 in. thick.
• Metal ankle braces must be worn inside the socks. Non-metal braces may be worn outside.

Other items:

• A face mask must be molded to the face with no protrusions, and you need a signed medical release.
• Hearing aids are legal.
• Wearable monitoring devices are allowed if securely fastened and not a risk to anyone. They can be worn on the shoes or on the body under the uniform, but not on the arm.
• If worn, a captain's armband goes on the arm.