Gear

Colony Knights Football Gear Requirements & Expectations

Being part of the Colony Football Program means committing to high standards—on the field and in preparation. Gear is a critical part of player safety and performance. Our school and Booster Club have invested thousands of dollars to provide certified, appropriate equipment.

Team-Issued Equipment

Each player will be issued:

  • Helmet

  • Shoulder Pads

  • Practice Jersey

  • Varsity Lineman Kneed Braces (optional and only for Varsity Line Players)

  • Game Pants (issued weekly)

  • Game Jersey (issued weekly)

  • Game Travel Bag

Gear Deposit: A $200 deposit (cash or check) is required when gear is checked out.

  • Checks will not be cashed unless gear is not returned at the end of the season.

  • The full deposit will be returned once all gear is returned in good condition.

Game Uniform Procedure:

  • Game jerseys and pants will be handed out every Wednesday.

  • These items must be returned the following Monday after the game.

  • Players will also be issued a Game Travel Bag as part of their gear check-out, which should be used for all travel and game-day purposes.

Using Personal Gear:
Players may use personal helmets or shoulder pads only if:

  • They were purchased within the past 24 months

  • They have visible, valid certification labels

  • They are inspected and approved by a coach

Player-Supplied Gear (Required)

1. 7-Pad Girdle

All players must wear a 7-pad girdle that includes:

  • Tailbone pad

  • Hip pads (both sides)

  • Thigh pads (both sides)

  • Knee pads (critical)

⚠️ We do not provide knee pads. If a player arrives without knee pads, they cannot participate in practice or games—no exceptions.

Why a 7-Pad Girdle?
While some 5-pad versions exist (missing knee pads), they do not meet our requirements. Using a 7-pad girdle reduces the chance of lost gear and ensures compliance with safety standards.

NFHS Rule Highlights:

  • Knee pads must be unaltered, worn over the knee and under the pants

  • Pads must be at least ½ inch thick, or ⅜ inch if shock-absorbing

  • Pants must fully cover the knees and all protective padding

🔗 Example of a 7-Pad Girdle on Amazon (not required, just an example)

2. Mouthguard

  • Must be worn any time a helmet is on

  • Must be plain, unaltered, and without decorative or non-functional attachments

  • Must be attached to the helmet to prevent loss

🔗 NFHS Mouthguard Rules Summary

We offer basic mouthguards for purchase, but we highly recommend purchasing a properly molded, fitted mouthguard for comfort and safety.

⚠️ No mouthguard = No participation in practice or games

3. Cleats

  • Must be molded plastic—no metal spikes

  • Red and blue colors are not allowed (not team colors)

  • Players should wear only green, black, white, or neutral-colored cleats

We play on turf but may practice on grass occasionally. Proper-fitting cleats are essential for safety and performance.
Reminder: We expect all players to PROTECT THE C by representing team colors only.

4. Practice Attire

  • Shorts must fully cover the 7-pad girdle

  • T-shirts or tops must be worn at all times—no practicing shirtless or in just a girdle

  • No red or blue clothing allowed at practice (same reason as cleats)

Players wearing unapproved colors will be asked to change. We expect all players to look and act like a team every time they step on the field.

Game Day Uniform Expectations

Black Sweatpants & Hoodie (Travel/Pre-Game)

  • All players must wear black sweatpants and a black hoodie on game day and during travel

  • These can be ordered through BSN (with team logo) or purchased from any retailer (generic black is fine)

We want to present a unified team appearance as we prepare for competition.

Game Socks

  • Players must wear either black or white socks—coaches will confirm the color each Monday

  • Socks may be short or long, but the team must match on game day

If you have any questions, please reach out to the coaching staff. Thank you for helping us uphold the standards of Colony Football.

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