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Shin Guards are an important part of protection whether you’re playing ice hockey or inline hockey.
It’s the shin pads that are going to protect the shins against slashes and when the player is blocking shots.
When sizing a player for shin guards, the player should wear skates that are loose fitting so that you get the right measurement length.
Shin guards are sold and sized in inches for junior and senior players.
Following are some pointers for buying shin guards:
• Make sure the cap of the shin guard is centered directly on top of the kneecap.
• The bottom of the shin guard needs to fit exactly into the spot where the leg and foot meet in a 90-degree angle.
• Shin guards that are too short for the player will result in an unprotected area just above the skate, opening the player for injury.
• Shin guards that are too long are uncomfortable to wear and may restrict the player’s mobility.
Shin guards are available in different sizes:
8" Shinguards = 3ft 7" - 4ft 4"
9" Shinguards = 3ft 9" - 4ft 7"
10" Shinguards = 4ft 3" - 4ft 8"
11" Shinguards = 4ft 7" - 5ft
12" Shinguards = 4ft 11" - 5ft 4"
13" Shinguards = 5ft 6" - 5ft 8"
14" Shinguards = 5ft 7" - 5ft 11"
15" Shinguards = 5ft 9" - 6ft 1"
16" Shinguards = 5ft 11" - 6ft 3"
17" Shinguards = 6ft 1" - 6ft +
(Sizes may vary slightly with each manufacterer)
When fitting shin guards always make sure the shin guard cap is centered directly on top of the kneecap.
At the same time the padding on the calf side of the shin guard needs to wrap completely around the calf so the lowest part of the leg gets adequate protection.
For maximum protection the tongue of the skate needs to be placed right behind the shin pad.
For the best fit for shin guards the player should work with an open skate. The pads need to sit about one inch above the foot when the foot if flexed upwards.
Mobility of the foot should not be hindered in any way.
After every use, the shin guards should be hung up and dried. As with all hockey equipment, shin guards should be inspected regularly for damage. If cracks appear in the pads they should be immediately repaired or replaced.
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