Why does the goalkeeper wear a different uniform

There are always two goalies on the field so do they have to wear different colors to each other? Soccer goalkeepers can wear the same color jersey as each other during a game if neither goalie has a replacement jersey in a different color.

The ideal situation is for the goalie to be wearing a different color. But the same rule then goes on to say:. This rule is there to allow smaller, lower league teams who may not have the budget to afford a second goalie uniform option to continue their involvement in the game. With the two goalies positioned at opposite ends of the soccer field, there is very little chance that they will spend much if any time, close to each other during a game.

It should be clear to anyone involved in the game which goalie belongs to which team. There are a number of reasons a soccer goalie may choose a specific color for their uniform. The reasons include:. Although not too common for organized soccer games, you will occasionally find that the goalkeeper themselves has chosen their uniform. This choice is based purely on personal preference and as long as it is a different color to the rest of the team that is ok. For the majority of goalies, they will have the color of their jersey, or uniform, chosen for them.

At the top level of soccer, there is a lot of thought and money that goes into deciding something as seemingly simple as what color a team wears. This way of deciding what color the goalie should wear is often why you see a goalie wearing a bright color rather than a pale one.

Goalies often wear bright uniforms because research shows that a soccer player is less likely to score against a goalie in a bright color and a goalie should make the most of any advantage they can get over the opposition. As a goalie, you want the ball to come to you.

For a deeper dive into what it means to be a goalkeeper, I recommend you check out my article — Soccer Goalies: Role, Responsibilities, and How to Play. Hopefully, you now feel you understand why goalies wear a different color to the rest of their team or anyone else on the soccer field. For example, many goalies wear special gloves so they can grasp the ball firmly.

Some goalkeepers prefer long pants with significant padding, while others prefer shorts that provide them greater flexibility. Goalkeepers also may choose the type of cleats they wear, which depends on league regulations, the type of playing surface and the weather. Stan Mack is a business writer specializing in finance, business ethics and human resources.

Mack studied philosophy and economics at the University of Memphis. By: Stan Mack. On a black and white TV, they would appear the same.

So, the leagues wised up and mandated teams to contrast colors. The easiest way to do so was to have each team don a mainly white uniform, and a mainly dark colored uniform. To begin with England played in all white with blue socks — which is still the kit for the England rugby union team the two football codes were very similar in — with blue shorts only coming in about 10 years later.

Playing at Wembley Stadium the England squad wore a blue kit. Of the 92 Premier League games played so far this season, 24 of the away sides have worn their third kit.