Ilfracombe Town Implements Ban on Micro Shin Pads for Player Safety

Ilfracombe Town is actively raising funds to aid Riley Malin in his recovery from a serious injury sustained during a match.

In response to a distressing incident involving forward Riley Martin, who suffered a painful double leg fracture in a recent South West Peninsula League game, non-league Ilfracombe Town has decided to ban the use of ‘micro’ shin pads. Martin’s injury occurred during a 50-50 challenge with the opposing goalkeeper, resulting in the abandonment of the match against Bridport.

Chairman Nick Jupp recounted the devastating moment on BBC Radio 5 Live, describing the sound of the break as “unbearable, like a shotgun going off.” He emphasized that while there is no blame placed on Martin for wearing micro shin pads, he believes that larger pads could have mitigated the severity of the injury.

While shin guards are mandatory according to the laws of the game, the regulations regarding their size and coverage remain unclear. Current guidelines stipulate that shin pads must be fully covered by socks, constructed from suitable materials like rubber or plastic, and provide adequate protection. The Football Association notes that using ‘micro’ or ‘mini’ shin pads could elevate the risk of injury due to the reduced coverage they offer compared to larger alternatives.

“The amount of shin physically covered is an important consideration, as any part of the shin that is not covered is not as well protected,” stated the FA. They urge prioritizing safety by ensuring a substantial portion of the shin area is adequately shielded.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body for football laws, has been approached for a comment. IFAB has previously indicated that it will not revise the rules and has reminded that the responsibility for safety lies with players, or with the guardians of youth players.

In light of these events, Ilfracombe Town has officially banned the use of micro shin pads across all age levels from youth to senior squads. The club articulated that this decision is in the best interest of player safety and welfare, ensuring that all athletes are equipped with protective gear that meets necessary safety standards.

Ilfracombe Town is not alone in this initiative; clubs like Penistone Church in Barnsley and others in the lower tiers of football have also taken similar measures to ensure player safety. Chairman Jupp remarked on the overwhelming support received on social media, highlighting that many grassroots clubs in the South West have adopted similar bans since their announcement.