By Mike McCaffrey
The Problem Of Micro Shin Pads
Remember when shin pads actually protected and covered your shins? They weren’t glamourous, probably resembling more like cricket pads then shin pads back then, but these days it seems like many players are wearing glorified bits of cardboard. Micro shin pads, the tiny, barely-there guards that some players swear by, they might be comfortable, but they’re a disaster waiting to happen.
Just in Sussex non-league football be it Saturdays or Sundays, I’ve seen far too many lads getting kicked to pieces because their shin pads are no bigger than a mobile phone or a credit card.
As a coach and a parent, we’ve banned them from our junior sides, you wouldn’t want that potential injury on your conscious. Shin pads are meant to absorb impact and prevent fractures, not just meet the bare minimum requirement for getting on the pitch.
By opting for minimal protection, players are making a trade-off between safety and style or comfort. We’ve all heard the excuse: “They’re easier to run in.” That might be true, but when you’re out for months with a broken leg, you’ll wish you’d chosen differently. The FA’s rules about shin pads are clear enough, but enforcement at our level? Almost non-existent and that is because players ONLY are responsible according to the laws of the game. Referees are only to check shinpads are being worn and covered by socks, players, especially young ones, and clubs need to understand the risks.
The Cost Of Injuries On Player’s Livelihoods
Most non-league players don’t earn their living from football, they might do well from it, but the big majority are self-employed builders, electricians etc but also teachers, and office workers. When injuries happen, it’s not just their football season that’s ruined it can seriously hurt their ability to pay the bills. Self-employed players are especially vulnerable. No work means no pay, and few have good enough insurance to cover at least some lost income.
Leg and ankle breaks are among the worst. They’re not just painful; they turn your whole life upside down. Imagine struggling to walk, drive, or even get up the stairs for weeks or months on end. Surgery and months of rehabilitation follow. Getting back to football and work can feel like climbing a mountain. The mental strain can be as tough as the physical recovery.
Take my own story as an example. When I tore my ACL in a preseason match, I was out of action for months, striker turned me, leg rooted into the 3G, snap, bang wallop, your whole world crashes down tight there, what the hell am I going to do?
I had no insurance, no football , no way to work, and no quick fixes, it was a dark time for me, but you have to pick yourself up, mentally to try to rehabilitate the knee. Without surgery, my knee’s never been the same, I couldn’t afford to go private, waiting lists are too long in this country, and it’s a daily reminder of what these injuries cost and the impact they can have on your family. And I’m far from alone, stories like mine are all too common these day.
Here’s a breakdown of typical recovery times:
- ACL Tears: 6–12 months
- Ankle Sprains: 4–6 weeks, but severe cases take much longer
- Fractures: 6 weeks to several months depending on the severity
Physiotherapy, medical bills, and lost earnings can pile up. Non-league players don’t have the luxury of team-funded rehab or big contracts to fall back on. It’s a harsh reality that makes injury prevention all the more important.
Preventative Measures And Future Considerations
So, what’s the solution? First off, we need to take shin pad rules seriously. Bigger, properly fitted shin pads should be the norm, not the exception. Referees need to enforce the FA’s guidelines, and players need to stop thinking that style matters more than safety.
Secondly, the debate about 3G pitches and corelation to injuries needs , not just talk. Better maintenance, smarter technology, and more awareness about injury risks could all make a difference. If we’re going to play on these surfaces more often, let’s at least make them as safe as possible. All the data I sifted through showed NO stats to back up a growing concern that more ACL injuries are caused on 3G – or is it just me?
Finally, education is key. Warm-ups, strength training, and recovery techniques are often overlooked at this level which is understandable but even the smallest steps can be taken. Clubs should be proactive in providing basic injury prevention resources. As a parent, I know we want to see our kids safe, developing their skills without risking their future health. It’s a simple step that could save a lot of pain down the road.
Injuries are part of football, but the current situation in non-league football is getting increasingly concerning. From ACL tears and the 3G pitches to the joke that is micro shin pads, we’re facing a growing crisis. And the impact goes beyond the pitch, it affects players’ jobs, families, and futures.
As someone who’s lived through it and as a parent and coach never wants to see it again, I’m calling for change certainly in the micro pad ruling, but maybe helping to protect the players who keep grassroots football alive. Better safety, stronger enforcement, and smarter decisions can make the game safer for everyone.
Finally, I think clubs need to take a lead with this, some players don’t have any insurance for the rainiest of days for those who suffer these injuries, and relying on ‘Go Fund-me’ pages never reach their targets. It could be lack of education on the subject or it could also be viewed as a cost to players welfare.
Every match could be the one that changes your life forever, don’t let an injury sideline your future, ensure you’re protected. Clubs in Sussex, its time to step up. Offer sport or personal insurance, or educate your players to at least look into it, you have a duty of care and as clear a conscience as possible in those devastating moments of our beloved game.