Planning a Football Training and Competition Season Football Attire Socks Long, knee-length socks to cover shin pads are recommended. A pair of under socks, usually made of cotton or cotton blend, is recommended to help prevent blisters. Shin Pads Shin pads are required for both competition and practices. Light-weight pads with elastic ties and placed between under-sock and top sock are recommended. Shoes Cleats need to be sung-fitting. When purchasing shoes, try on the cleats with one pair of thin socks to make sure the fit is good. Shoes will quickly stretch to a comfortable fit. Molded rubber soles are recommended rather than screw-in studs. Non-studded shoes are worn for indoor practice Metal scew-in studs are not allowed in Special Olympics Football Sweatshirts Sweatshirts are recommended for cold-weather practice and day-long tournaments. Players are not allowed to wear sweat tops in official tournaments. No jeans. No shoes or high tops. No jewelry or watches! Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004 25