Which protective equipment can players wear, and which need a permit?

From section 64 of the 2026 handbook:

No permit needed

• Mouthguards (strongly recommended)
• Soft, lightweight padded headgear suitable for football (hats are not permitted)
• Plastic-framed glasses or goggles held on securely with a band
• Breast protection

Permit needed (club applies to the League)

• Diabetic pumps and glucose monitors, which also need extra padding such as foam or compression bandages to protect the device and opposition players
• Shin guards or gloves, only if medically prescribed to protect an injury (attach the medical recommendation)
• All other protective equipment: kidney guards, hearing aids, ankle, knee and finger supports

Not allowed: plaster casts, jewellery (piercings must be removed, not taped), and grip aids such as tacky sprays, creams, gels or resins. Medical bracelets are allowed if completely taped and marked "MEDIC".