Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Shin Pads Shin pads are required for both competition and practices. Light-weight pads with elastic ties and placed between undersock 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 Sweatshirts Sweatshirts are recommended for cold-weather practice and day-long tournaments. Players are not allowed to wear sweat tops in official tournaments. Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 17