Why Gel Armor?

Developed by a liscenced USSF Referee, USSF Coach, and former player. And most importantly, a Dad.

The Lack Of Standards
I was shocked to find there is a complete lack of standards governing protective equipment in soccer. See Law 4: The Players Equipment. The guidance is for "suitable material" only.
Shin Guards Alone Are Not Enough
Research shows thats 95% of soccer related hospitilizations for broken shin bones have occured while the athlete was wearing traditional shin guards. Recovery time for broken shin is at least 6+months.
Don't Forget The Metatarsals
The area that has brought us to develop Gel Armor protection. There simply wasn't any suitable products available that offered protection and comfort. Broken Metatarsal recovery time average 12weeks.

The Discovery

My background in engineering and as a former player quickly called foul on what I saw as a solution for metatarsal protection and recovery:

Padded socks:

Memory foam padding. Really? Save it for the pillows.
Shoe already compresses the padding, no protection at all.
Unstable lacing in rest of foot compensating for the bulky sock.
Sock doesn't match the uniform.

Metatarsal Lace-up Guards:

Not approved for use on soccer field.
Plastic rubs and interferes in foot movement.
Awkward lacing, how is a kid going to put this on?

Rubber Slip-on Guards:

Not approved for use on soccer field.
Once size-fits-all piece of rubber, no padding or impact absorption.

Armed with the frustration as a parent, who's child said they were scared to play because they think the soccer ball will break their little pinky bone again, I went to work! While engineering a custom metatarsal protector that would instill protection, confidence, and comfort, I suddenly recalled being kicked in the shin during a game over 20 years ago! Through hours of research, i realized the shocking truth about shin guard protection standards. There are none!

But wait, NOCSAE is the only agency I came across with a standard. Who??Again, another lab test and not a real-world testing protocol. Zero clout with FIFA or IFAB. I soon discovered this for high school soccer only, and likely not even enforced. I even played soccer in high school and never heard of this.

I can honestly tell you that as a certified US Soccer Referee, no referee will ever inspect your shin guards for any logo or sticker for compliance. It simply doesn't happen and is not required. It's a pass/fail test if you have them on or not. Back over to you FIFA for "suitable material".

The Importance of Gel Armor

Protection Where You Need It
Gel Armors impact dispursing properties help protect athletes from the unpredictable. Our shin and metatarsal protectors have been designed from those who have played the game.
Get Back In The Game
Shin and metatarsal injuries are devestating. They require significant months of healing and rehabilitation efforts. Add Gel Armor as part of your protection and recovery routines.
Comfort And Confidence
Gel Armor is designed to be non-intrusive and non-restrictive, thereby allowing you to play at your full potential. Lightweight and discrete, giving you added confidence while knowing you are protected.

Gel Armor Products

The Industry Standards Exposed

Red Card Issued
As a liscenced USSF Referee, I hereby issue a RED CARD to the industry regarding shin guard and metatarsal protection standards. This simply isn't acceptable.
Reviewing The Research
IFAB, FIFA and EN Standards merely state that shin guards are only to protect against bumps and bruises, and be constructed of "suitable materials". Not very assuring!
The Bright Idea: Gel Armor
Armed with the motivation as a parent of an injured child, and with a science degree, I went to work. And thats how Gel Armor was conveived.

The Facts

Exposing the industries lack of standards

Did you know that both FIFA (Players Equipment), The FA (England), and IFAB (Law 4) have incredibly weak requirements when it comes to the design and manufacture of shin guards? There simply is no guidance other than "suitable material". Did I mention I'm also a certified US Soccer Referee? Thats why I'm doing something about it with Gel Armor as I've seen too many injuries to children in our game today. It seems the above agencies are more concerned about your shirt being tucked-in, than player equipment standards. Interestingly, the only quality standard is one for a ball bearing a FIFA logo. Now if the principal responsibility of a referee is safety, we obviously have a disconnect when the ball has more quality governance than the players protective equipment. And I've never seen a FIFA professional ball at a kids game.

Furthermore, the European standard EN 13061:2009 governing "The standard design and requirements of acceptable shin guards" merely only advises against reducing the severity of laceration, contusions (bruises) and skin punctures caused by impacts. And while we put our trust (and taxes) in these regulatory agencies to protect us and our children, their standards are just as good as the old rolled-up newspapers used from past generations. It's absolutely shocking!