What makes things easier for the officials? |
Clear numerals on the jersey. The officials can't identify the player who committed a foul if their number isn't visible.
This is why it is a rule requirement (Rule 1-4-5-c) for numbers to be in clear contrast to the main jersey colour. Black numbers on a dark blue background are not acceptable.
It is also the reason why having numbers on the shoulders of the jersey is a good idea, even though it's only recommended by rule. |
Is grey a good colour for a jersey? |
No. It is likely to clash with both white jerseys and black jerseys. Go for black or white instead. |
Is green a good colour for a jersey?
Is green a good colour for the numerals on a red jersey? |
Green is a poor contrast with red for people with red-green colour-blindness.
Colour blindness is one of the world’s most common inherited, genetic disorders and affects about 8% (1 in 12) of males and 0.5% of females.
This guide is about field markings, but it contains many lessons for choosing the colour of a jersey too.
This video from the FA talks about colour-blindness in sport.
This guide talks about how to choose colours that are friendly to colour-blind people. |
How can I check whether my colours contrast well? |
Use the Colour Contrast Checker at https://colourcontrast.cc
It also allows you to play around with hue, saturation and lightness until you find a combination that passes. |
Can the nameplate area on the back of the jersey contain the team name? |
Yes, that area can contain any of the items listed in Rule 1-4-5-a-2. |
Can a pattern be embedded into a jersey? |
The rules envisage that the torso part of a jersey is a solid colour.
Bear in mind that the more colours you add, the more likely it is that you clash with an opponent's colours.
To be legal, any pattern on a coloured jersey would not have to contain any white except in the items listed in Rule 1-4-5-a-2. |
