What happens if my uniform or equipment is illegal or missing?

Under NFHS rules:

• Field players and goalkeepers are responsible for their own gear. A player who wears an illegal uniform, uses illegal equipment, or removes or doesn't wear required equipment gets a misconduct penalty (a card). Before 2022, the head coach was penalized.
• Goalkeeper missing required equipment (for example, a throat protector): the official stops play and the goalkeeper must be properly equipped or replaced by a fully equipped substitute. If the team can't provide a properly equipped goalkeeper, it forfeits (2024 and 2025 NFHS interpretations).
• Goalkeeper top problems (wrong color, no number): since 2024 the goalkeeper's top counts as uniform, not required equipment, so the game isn't forfeited. If it can't be fixed, the game is played and the official reports it to the state association.